Voice-activated vanity mirror

ABSTRACT

A mirror assembly can include a housing, a mirror, and a light source. In certain embodiments, the mirror is rotatable within a support portion of the mirror assembly. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly is configured to use an audio sensor or an audio signal derived from an audio sensor, such as an audio sensor or audio signal configured to sense or to correspond to or to represent one or more voice commands or other sounds (e.g., clapping, snapping, or otherwise) received from a user, in order to actuate or adjust any of one or more features or settings of the mirror assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/360,985, entitled “VOICE-ACTIVATED VANITY MIRROR” and filed on Mar.21, 2019, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/646,779, entitled “VOICE-ACTIVATED VANITYMIRROR” and filed on Mar. 22, 2018, which are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties. This application is related toU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/783,109, filed Mar. 1, 2013,entitled “VANITY MIRROR,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/060,080,filed Mar. 3, 2016, entitled “VANITY MIRROR,” and U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/907,090, filed Feb. 27, 2018, entitled “VANITYMIRROR.” These applications are hereby incorporated by reference hereinin their entireties. Any structure, function, method, or componentillustrated and/or described in any of these applications can be usedwith or instead of any structure, function, method, or componentillustrated and/or described in this application.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to reflective devices, such as mirrors.

Description of the Related Art

Vanity mirrors are mirrors that are typically used for reflecting animage of a user during personal grooming, primping, cosmetic care, orthe like. Vanity mirrors are available in different configurations, suchas free-standing mirrors, hand-held mirrors, mirrors connected to vanitytables, bathroom wall mirrors, car mirrors, and/or mirrors attached toor produced by electronic screens or devices.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments disclosed herein pertain to a mirror assembly or amirror assembly system comprising one or more of a base, a reflectiveface connected with the base, a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor or areflective type sensor), an electronic processor, a light source, amicrophone, a speaker, and/or an electronic display.

In some embodiments, the mirror assembly comprises a front side and aback side and a housing portion. In some embodiments, the mirrorassembly comprises a support portion. In some embodiments, the mirrorassembly comprises a support portion coupled to a housing portion. Insome embodiments, the mirror assembly comprises a mirror head.

In some embodiments, the mirror assembly further comprises a lightsource. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly further comprises alight path having a length. In some embodiments, the light path and/or alength of the light path is positioned around or along at least aportion of a periphery of the first mirror when the first mirror isfacing the front side of the mirror assembly. In some embodiments, thelight path and/or the length of the light path is positioned around oralong at least a portion of a periphery of the second mirror when thesecond mirror is facing the front side of the mirror assembly. In someembodiments, the light path of the mirror assembly is disposed on thesupport portion such that when the either the first or second mirror isfacing the front side of the mirror, the light path (or a length of thelight path) is positioned around or along at least a portion of theperiphery of the first or second mirror when facing the front side ofthe mirror.

In some embodiments, the light source comprises at least a first lightemitting diode and a second light emitting diode disposed to emit lightin a general direction along the length of the light path. In someembodiments, the electronic processor of the mirror assembly comprises acontroller configured to control one or more functions of the mirrorassembly. For example, the controller can be configured to receive oneor more inputs from one or more light or proximity or other sensors, oneor more microphones, one or more electronic signals from one or moreother electronic devices (such as one or more mobile communicationdevices), and/or one or more signals from one or more user indicators(such as one or more signals generated by one or more buttons, switches,touch sensors, etc. In some embodiments, the controller can beconfigured to adjust light emitted from the light source, such as toturn on and off the light source, to set or change the intensity of thelight sources, and/or to simulate a plurality of different lightingenvironments including natural sunlight and indoor light.

The controller can be configured to communicate wirelessly with a mobilecommunication device in a manner that permits the mobile communicationdevice to provide one or more instructions to the controller regardingactuation of the plurality of different lighting environments by themirror assembly.

In some embodiments, the controller comprises a touch sensor (e.g., acapacitive touch sensor) in electronic communication with the lightsource and configured to transmit information sent by a user to thelight source. In some embodiments, the capacitive touch sensor islocated on a portion of the support portion of the mirror assembly. Insome embodiments, the controller receives commands (e.g., user inputs,such as physical button selections, selections provided via a touchinterface, voice commands, etc.) sent by a user. In certain variants,the user can send information (e.g., commands) to the controller usingone or more of a computer, a mobile device, or a NEST® system. In someembodiments, the computer, the mobile device, or the NEST® system is inwireless communication with the controller. In certain variants, thecomputer or mobile device is a handheld device (e.g., a smartphone,tablet, or the like), a speaker, a camera, a wearable electronic device,a television, a radio, a computing device in a vehicle, and/or the like.

Some embodiments pertain to a method of manufacturing a mirror assemblywith any combination of any of the features, structures, and/orcomponents illustrated and/or disclosed in this specification. In someembodiments, the method comprises coupling a support portion to ahousing portion. In some embodiments, the method comprises coupling arotatable joint to the support portion. In some embodiments, the methodcomprises coupling a mirror head to the support portion via therotatable joint. In some embodiments, the method comprises coupling afirst mirror to a first side of the mirror head and a second mirror tothe second side of the mirror head. In some embodiments, the methodcomprises disposing a light source on or within the support portion. Insome embodiments, the method comprises including a microphone and anelectronic processor in the mirror assembly, or including an electronicprocessor in the mirror assembly that is capable of receiving an audiosignal from a mobile communication device, the electronic processorbeing configured to actuate, adjust, or otherwise affect one or morefunctions in the mirror assembly.

In some implementations, the sensor is configured to detect, andgenerate a signal indicative of, the distance between an object and thesensor. The electronic processor can be configured to receive the signalfrom the sensor and can control the light source, for example, byvarying the quantity or quality of light emitted by the light sourcedepending on the detected distance between the object and the sensor.

In some embodiments, a mirror assembly comprises a base, a reflectionface, one or more light sources, and a light-conveying pathway such as alight pipe. In combination, the light sources and light pipe reflectsubstantially constant light along a length of the light pipe. Forexample, in certain embodiments, the light conveying pathway isgenerally disposed around some, substantially all, or all of a peripheryof the reflection face.

In some embodiments, one or more electronic features or settings orcharacteristics of the mirror assembly, such as light brightness orlight temperature or battery level, can be viewed, selected, and/oradjusted remotely by a mobile electronic device, such as by way of awireless communication protocol and/or using a software module or app onthe mobile electronic device. The electronic features or settings orcharacteristics of the mirror system can be viewed, selected, and/oradjusted via user input (e.g., via a touch screen of the mobileelectronic device, via a physical button on the mobile electronicdevice, via voice commands captured by a microphone of the mobileelectronic device and processed by the processor(s) of the mobileelectronic device, etc.).

Any of the vanity mirror features, structures, steps, or processesdisclosed in this specification can be included in any embodiment. Theproximity sensor can be positioned generally near a top region of themirror. The electronic processor can be configured to generate anelectronic signal to the one or more light sources to deactivate if theproximity sensor does not detect the presence and/or movement of theobject for a predetermined period of time. The proximity sensor can beconfigured to have increased sensitivity after the proximity sensordetects the object (e.g., by increasing the trigger zone distance, byincreasing the sensitivity to movement within a trigger zone, and/or byincreasing the time period until deactivation).

Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed toward a method ofmanufacturing a mirror assembly. The method can include coupling amirror with a housing portion. The method can include disposing one ormore light sources at a periphery of the mirror. The method can includeconfiguring a proximity sensor to generate a signal indicative of adistance between an object and the proximity sensor. The method caninclude configuring an electronic processor to generate an electronicsignal to the one or more light sources for emitting a level of lightthat varies depending on the distance between the object and the sensor.

Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed to a mirror assemblythat includes a front side and a back side, a housing portion, a supportportion coupled to the housing portion, a mirror, a light source, alight path positioned around at least a portion of the mirror, and acontroller. The controller can be configured to turn the light source onor off in response to a voice command.

Any of the mirror assembly features or structures disclosed in thisspecification can be included in any embodiments. In certainembodiments, the support portion is positioned around at least a portionof a periphery of the mirror. A swivel joint allows rotation of themirror about an axis formed by the swivel joint. In some embodiments,the mirror assembly includes an audio sensor configured to generate anaudio signal in response to the voice command uttered by a user andcaptured by the audio sensor. The controller can be configured toperform speech recognition on the audio signal to generate first data;compare the first data to a first keyword; and in response to adetermination that the first data matches the first keyword, turn thelight source on. In some implementations, the controller is furtherconfigured to prompt the user to utter the first keyword in a trainingmode; perform speech recognition on an utterance by the user to generatesecond data representing the first keyword; and store the second data.In some variants, the light source is on in the training mode. In someembodiments, the mirror assembly includes a network interface configuredto receive an instruction from a user device. The user device isconfigured to generate the instruction in response to the voice commanduttered by a user and captured by the user device. The controller isfurther configured to turn the light source on or off in response to theinstruction. In certain embodiments, the controller is furtherconfigured to adjust at least one of an intensity, brightness, color, ortemperature of the light source in response to a second voice command.In some embodiments, the mirror assembly includes a display. Thecontroller is further configured to display first content in the displayin response to a second voice command. In some implementations, themirror assembly includes an audio sensor configured to generate an audiosignal in response to the second voice command uttered by a user andcaptured by the audio sensor. The controller is further configured to:perform speech recognition on the audio signal; and determine that thefirst content is to be displayed based on the performed speechrecognition. In some variants, the controller is further configured toobtain the first content from a remote system via a wired or wirelesscommunication. In some embodiments, the first content comprises weatherdata. In certain embodiments, the mirror assembly includes a speaker.The controller is further configured to generate a second audio signalthat, when output by the speaker, audibly indicates the first content.In some implementations, the mirror assembly includes an audio sensorconfigured to generate an audio signal in response to the second voicecommand uttered by a user and captured by the audio sensor. Thecontroller is further configured to: transmit the audio signal to a userdevice; and receive, from the user device, an indication that the firstcontent is to be displayed. In some variants, the display is locatedbehind the first mirror.

Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed to a mirror assemblythat includes a front side and a back side, a mirror, a light source, alight path positioned around at least a portion of the mirror, and acontroller. The controller can be configured to perform an action inresponse to a voice command.

Any of the mirror assembly features or structures disclosed in thisspecification can be included in any embodiments. In certainembodiments, the mirror assembly includes a support portion. The supportportion is positioned around at least a portion of a periphery of themirror. A swivel joint allows rotation of the mirror about an axisformed by the swivel joint. In some embodiments, the mirror assemblyincludes an audio sensor configured to generate an audio signal inresponse to the voice command uttered by a user and captured by theaudio sensor. The controller is further configured to: perform speechrecognition on the audio signal to generate first data; compare thefirst data to a first keyword; and in response to a determination thatthe first data matches the first keyword, perform the action. In someimplementations, the controller is further configured to: prompt theuser to utter the first keyword in a training mode; perform speechrecognition on an utterance by the user to generate second datarepresenting the first keyword; and store the second data. In somevariants, the mirror assembly includes a network interface configured toreceive an instruction from a user device. The user device is configuredto generate the instruction in response to the voice command uttered bya user and captured by the user device. The controller is furtherconfigured to turn the light source on or off in response to theinstruction. In certain embodiments, the controller is furtherconfigured to adjust at least one of an illumination, intensity,brightness, color, or temperature of the light source in response to thevoice command. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly includes adisplay. The controller is further configured to display first contentin the display in response to the voice command. In someimplementations, the mirror assembly includes an audio sensor configuredto generate an audio signal in response to the voice command uttered bya user and captured by the audio sensor. The controller is furtherconfigured to: perform speech recognition on the audio signal; anddetermine that the first content is to be displayed based on theperformed speech recognition. In some variants, the controller isfurther configured to obtain the first content from a remote system viaa wired or wireless communication. The certain embodiments, the mirrorassembly includes a speaker. The controller is further configured togenerate a second audio signal that, when output by the speaker, audiblyindicates the first content. In some embodiments, the mirror assemblyincludes an audio sensor configured to generate an audio signal inresponse to the voice command uttered by a user and captured by theaudio sensor. The controller is further configured to: transmit theaudio signal to a user device; and receive, from the user device, anindication that the first content is to be displayed. In someimplementations, the display is located behind the first mirror.

Any feature, structure, or step disclosed herein can be replaced with orcombined with any other feature, structure, or step disclosed herein, oromitted. Further, for purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certainaspects, advantages and features of the inventions have been describedherein. It is to be understood that not necessarily any or all suchadvantages are achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment ofthe inventions disclosed herein. No aspects of this disclosure areessential or indispensable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features of the mirror assembly disclosedherein are described below with reference to the drawings of certainembodiments. The illustrated embodiments are intended to illustrate, butnot to limit the present disclosure. The drawings contain the followingFigures:

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a mirrorassembly.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 illustrates a top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , with the light pipe cover removed, showing a sensor assembly.

FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment ofFIG. 1 , with the rear cover portion removed.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a mirrorassembly.

FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 , with front mirror removed and the light pipe cover removed,showing a sensor assembly.

FIG. 10 illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 , with the front mirror removed and light pipe detached.

FIG. 11 illustrates a partially exploded view of a portion of theembodiment of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 12 illustrates an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 8 .

FIG. 13 illustrates an exploded view of a portion of the embodiment ofFIG. 8 .

FIG. 14 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of an algorithmthat can be performed by components of the mirror assembly of FIG. 1 andof FIG. 8 .

FIG. 15 illustrates an example algorithm process of controlling thestate of a light source of the mirror assembly of any of FIGS. 1 through13 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of a mirror assembly are disclosed in the context ofa portable, free-standing vanity mirror, as it has particular utility inthis context. However, the various aspects of the present disclosure canbe used in many other contexts as well, such as wall-mounted mirrors,mirrors mounted on articles of furniture, automobile vanity mirrors(e.g., mirrors located in sun-visors), and otherwise. None of thefeatures described herein are essentially or indispensable. Any feature,structure, or step disclosed herein can be replaced with or combinedwith any other feature, structure, or step disclosed herein, or omitted.While some implementations described herein provide various dimensionsand qualities of a single mirror, it is to be appreciated that thevarious dimensions and qualities can be applied to another mirror in themirror assembly and/or to multiple mirrors of the mirror assembly (e.g.,in mirror assemblies having multiple mirrors). Moreover, as describedelsewhere herein, different mirrors can be combined to provide a mirrorassembly with a plurality of different mirror qualities in differentmirrors of the assembly. For instance, in some embodiments, wheremultiple mirror surfaces are present in a mirror assembly, a mirrorhaving one shape is combined with a mirror having a different shape in amirror assembly. In some embodiments, a mirror having one tint iscombined with a mirror having a different tint in a mirror assembly. Insome embodiments, a mirror having one power of magnification is combinedwith another mirror having a different magnification. In someembodiments, a mirror having one size is combined with another mirrorhaving a different size. This ability to combine different mirrorfeatures can help provide multiple options of use for a user of themirror assembly.

As shown in FIGS. 1-5 , the mirror assembly 2 can include a housingportion 8 and a visual image reflective surface, such as a mirror 4. Thehousing portion 8 can include a support portion 20, a shaft portion 12,and/or a base portion 14. The housing portion 8 can also include a pivotportion 16 connecting the support portion 20 and the shaft portion 12.The pivot portion 16 can include one or more of a ball joint (e.g., oranother joint allowing multidirectional movement), one or more hinges,or otherwise. Certain components of the housing portion 8 can beintegrally formed or separately formed and connected together to formthe housing portion 8. The housing 8 can include plastic, stainlesssteel, aluminum, or other suitable materials, and/or one or morecompressible materials, such as rubber, nylon, and/or plastic, on atleast a portion of its outer surface.

The mirror assembly 2 can include one or more of the componentsdescribed in connection with FIGS. 6-7 . FIG. 8 illustrates anothermirror assembly 102 including many components similar to the mirrorassembly 2 components. Throughout this disclosure, different embodiments(e.g., different mirror assemblies such as 2 and 102, etc.) can compriseone or more corresponding features. Any structure, feature, material, orstep that is illustrated or described in one embodiment can be omitted,or can be used with or instead of any structure, feature, material, orstep that is illustrated or described in another embodiment. Wherefeatures of one embodiment correspond with features of anotherembodiment (e.g., are the same, substantially the same, achieve the sameor similar purposes, etc.), those features are offset numerically byfactors of 100 (while having the same ones and tens numerical value). Asan illustration, feature 10 of mirror assembly 2 can correspond tofeature 110 of mirror assembly 102. For example, mirror assembly 2 ofFIG. 1 comprises a visual image reflective surface, such as a mirror 4,and the mirror assembly 102 of FIG. 8 comprises a visual imagereflective surface, such as a mirror 104.

In some embodiments, the mirror assembly 102 comprises a housing portion108. In some embodiments, the housing portion 108 can include one ormore of a shaft portion 112, and/or a base portion 114. The housingportion 108 can also include a pivot portion 116 for connecting asupport portion 120 to the housing 108. In some embodiments, the mirrorassembly 102 comprises a mirror head 103. In some embodiments, themirror head 103 of the mirror assembly 102 is connected to the pivotportion 116 and shaft portion 112 via a support portion 120 and an arm113. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 8 , the shaft portion112 and/or the arm 113 can be connected to one of more portions of themirror head 103 or the support portion 120 on a side thereof, and/or notin an interior or central region thereof, to permit the mirror head 103or some portion thereof to rotate by a wide angle about an axis thattraverses through the mirror head 103, such that respective front andrear surfaces of the mirror head 103 can be made to selectively switchpositions on the mirror assembly 102.

In some embodiments, as described elsewhere herein, multiple mirrors(e.g., 2, 3, 4, etc.) are provided on a single mirror assembly 102 toprovide multiple different optical capabilities or features, such asdifferent magnification levels to a user. One or more other opticalcapabilities that can be provided in different mirrors in the samemirror assembly 102 are different lighting intensity, different colortemperature, different tint, different mirror reflectivity, etc. Forexample, in some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 8 , a first mirror 104, asecond mirror 104′, and a third mirror 104″ can be provided.

In some embodiments, the mirror(s) 4, 104, 104′, 104″ can include agenerally flat or generally spherical surface, which can be convex orconcave. The radius of curvature can depend on the desired opticalpower. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature can be at leastabout 15 inches and/or less than or equal to about 30 inches. The focallength can be half of the radius of curvature. For example, the focallength can be at least about 7.5 inches and/or less than or equal toabout 15 inches. In some embodiments, the radius of curvature can be atleast about 18 inches and/or less than or equal to about 24 inches. Insome embodiments, the mirror can include a radius of curvature of about20 inches and a focal length of about 10 inches. In some embodiments,the mirror is aspherical, which can facilitate customization of thefocal points.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 , one or more of the mirrors of the mirrorassembly 4, 104 can have a generally circular shape. In otherembodiments, one or more of the mirrors can have an overall shape thatis generally elliptical, generally square, generally rectangular, or anyother shape.

In some embodiments, the radius of curvature of the mirror 4, 104, 104′,104″ is controlled such that the magnification (optical power) of theobject can be varied. In some embodiments, the image of an objectreflected is not magnified (e.g., has a magnification of 1×). In someembodiments, the magnification is equal to or at least about 2 timeslarger (e.g., 2×) and/or less than or equal to about 10 times larger(e.g., 10×). For instance, at the focal point of the mirror, the imageof the object appears to be equal to or at least about 2 times larger(e.g., 2×) and/or less than or equal to about 10 times larger (e.g.,10×) than an unmagnified image. In certain embodiments, themagnification of the image of the object is equal to or at least about 5times larger (e.g., 5×) than the object.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8-11 , the mirror assemblycomprises a handle 160 (e.g., a knob, lever, pop-pin, etc.). In someembodiments, the handle 160 is affixed to, connected to, unitary with,or otherwise attached to the mirror head 103. In some embodiments, thehandle 160 facilitates movement from the front mirror face 103′ to theback mirror face 103″ (or vice versa), by simply rotating, flipping,turning the mirror head 103 via the handle 160 about an axis of withinthe support portion 120 of the mirror head 103 (as shown in FIGS. 16-18) as described above. In some embodiments, the handle 160 can be used torotate the mirror head 103 about the hinge assembly 111 axis while thesupport portion 120 remains in place (e.g., static), without requiringthe user to touch any mirror face or side, thus avoiding smudges orfinger prints on the mirror face. For instance, in some embodiments,where the user is positioned in front 105′ of the mirror assembly 102(shown in FIG. 19 ) and is viewing the mirror 104 of the front face103′, the user can rotate the mirror head 103 within the support portion120 to view the back face 103″ mirrors 104′, 104″. This movement can beaccomplished, for example, when the user pushes or presses the handle160 away from her through an arc of motion. In other words, the usermoves the handle 160 in the backward direction along an arc (from anangle α of about 0°) to achieve an angle α of about 90° and, afterpassing an angle α of about 90°, pulls the handle 160 downwardly andtowards the support portion 120 to achieve an angle α of about 180°.Likewise, the front face 103′ of the mirror assembly can again be viewedby pushing the handle 160 back and upward to rotate the mirror head 103from the second position (e.g., an angle α of about 180°) to achieve anangle α of about 90°. Once an angle α of about 90° is achieved, the usercan pull the handle 160 upwardly along an arc and toward the user toachieve an angle α of about 0°. In some embodiments, instead or inaddition to a handle, the mirror assembly comprises an actuator (abutton, switch, sensor, or capacitive touch sensor module) that, uponactuation (e.g., by pressing a button, swiping a finger across a portionof a sensor, pressing a sensor, etc.) moves the mirror head from anangle α of about 0° to about 1800 or vice versa.

In some embodiments, one or more mirrors 104, 104′, 104″ of the mirrorassembly 102 can have a thickness of at least about 2 mm and/or lessthan or equal to about 3 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness is lessthan or equal to about two millimeters and/or greater than or equal toabout three millimeters, depending on the desired properties of themirror (e.g., reduced weight or greater strength). In some embodiments,as shown in FIG. 8 , the surface area of a mirror 104 of the mirrorassembly can be substantially greater than the surface area of the base114. In other embodiments, the surface area of the image-reflectingsurface of the mirror is greater than or equal to the surface area ofthe base.

Many vanity mirrors distort the reflected image because of, for example,poor quality reflective surfaces, harsh light sources, and/or unevendistribution of light. Additionally, the light sources of conventionalvanity mirrors are typically energy inefficient. Further, the lightsources of conventional vanity mirrors are not adjustable or aredifficult to effectively adjust. Certain embodiments disclosed hereinsolve these problems by providing highly adjustable and variable lightsources and/or high quality mirror surfaces.

In some embodiments, one or more of the mirrors can be highly reflective(e.g., can have at least about 90% reflectivity). For instance, in someembodiments, one or more of the mirrors have greater than about 70%reflectivity and/or less than or equal to about 90% reflectivity. Inother embodiments, one or more mirrors have at least about 80%reflectivity and/or less than or equal to about 100% reflectivity. Incertain embodiments, one or more mirrors have about 87% reflectivity. Insome embodiments, one or more of the mirrors can be cut out or groundoff from a larger mirror blank so that mirror edge distortions arediminished or eliminated. In some embodiments, one or more filters canbe provided on the one or more of the mirrors to adjust one or moreparameters of the reflected light. In some embodiments, the filtercomprises a film and/or a coating that absorbs or enhances thereflection of certain bandwidths of electromagnetic energy. In someembodiments, one or more color adjusting filters, such as a Makrolonfilter, can be applied to the one or more mirrors to attenuate desiredwavelengths of light in the visible spectrum.

In some embodiments, one or more of the mirrors can be highlytransmissive (e.g., nearly 100% transmission). In some embodiments,transmission can be at least about 90%. In some embodiments,transmission can be at least about 95%. In some embodiments,transmission can be at least about 99%. In some embodiments, the one ormore mirrors can be optical grade and/or comprise glass. For example,one or more of the mirrors can include ultraclear glass. Alternatively,the one or more of the mirrors can include other translucent materials,such as plastic, nylon, acrylic, or other suitable materials. In someembodiments, one or more of the mirrors can also include a backingincluding aluminum or silver. In some embodiments, the backing canimpart a slightly colored tone, such as a slightly bluish tone to themirror. In some embodiments, an aluminum backing can prevent rustformation and provide an even color tone. The one or more mirrors can bemanufactured using molding, machining, grinding, polishing, or othertechniques.

The mirror assembly 2, 102 can include one or more light sourcesconfigured to transmit light. For example, as shown in FIG. 7 , themirror assembly 2, 102 can include a plurality (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, or more) of light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″.Various light sources can be used and can be housed behind the covermember 6, 106. In some embodiments, the light sources can include lightemitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, other light emitters can beused (e.g., fluorescent light sources, incandescent light sources,halogen light sources, etc.). In some embodiments, LEDs may offeradvantages over other light emitters, including longer lifetimes andhigher color rendering indices.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 9 , each light source cancomprise a plurality (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, or more) ofLEDs (or other light emitters). In some embodiments, for example, theleft light source 130 b′, 130 b″ can comprise two, as shown in FIG. 9(or four LEDs) and the right light source can comprise two (130 a′, 130a″) or four LEDs. In some embodiments, one or more LEDs within a singlelight source can be the same or different (e.g., have the same or adifferent color or color temperature). For example, in certain variants,a light source comprising four LEDs can comprise two pairs of two LEDswhere the each LED in a pair is identical (e.g., a pair of two red LEDsand a pair of two blue LEDs). In other embodiments, each LED in a singlelight source is different. In some embodiments, the light sources cancomprise LEDs that are the same (e.g., having the same color,temperature, and number of LEDs in an each light source) or different(e.g., having one or more LED that is different from an LED of differentlight source). In some embodiments, different light sources of themirror assembly are independently adjustable to provide accomplish anylighting environment desired. In some embodiments, LEDs can be pairedwith other LEDs of lower or higher color temperatures. In certainimplementations, LEDs can be paired with other LEDs of with colors thathave lower or higher wavelengths.

The light sources can be positioned in various orientations in relationto each other, such as side-by-side, back-to-back, or otherwise. Incertain embodiments, the light sources can be positioned to emit lightin opposing directions (as shown in FIGS. 6 and 16 ). For example, asshown in FIG. 6 , a first light source 30 a projects light in a firstdirection (e.g., clockwise) around the periphery of the mirror 4, and asecond light source 30 b projects light in a second direction (e.g.,counter-clockwise) around the periphery of the mirror 4. As shown, thelight source 30 a can project light toward a channel 48 that holds thelight pipe 10 (not shown) of the mirror assembly 2. In some embodiments,multiple light sources can be positioned to direct light into a channel148 that houses the light pipe. As shown, a first light source 130 a′,130 a″ projects light in a first direction (e.g., counter-clockwise)around the periphery of the mirror 104 (not shown), and a second lightsource 130 b′, 130 b″ projects light in a second direction (e.g.,clockwise) around the periphery of the mirror 104. In certainembodiments, the light sources can be positioned to emit light generallyand/or substantially orthogonally to the viewing surface of the mirrorassembly 2, 102. In certain embodiments, the light sources can bepositioned to emit light tangentially in relation to the periphery ofthe mirror 4, 104, 104′, 104″.

In some embodiments, the light sources are configured to providemultiple colors of light and/or to provide varying colors of light. Forexample, the light sources can provide two or more discernable colors oflight, such as red light and yellow light, or provide an array of colors(e.g., red, green, blue, violet, orange, yellow, and otherwise). Incertain embodiments, the light sources are configured to change thecolor or presence of the light when a condition is met or is about to bemet. For example, certain embodiments momentarily change the color ofthe emitted light to advise the user that the light is about to bedeactivated.

In some implementations, either or both the color and the colortemperature of the light emitted from the mirror assembly 2, 102 isindependently adjustable. Using this adjustability, the light emittedfrom the light sources can be configured to mimic or closely approximatelight encountered in one or a plurality of different natural ornon-natural light environments. For example, in some variations, thelight emitted from the mirror can mimic natural light (e.g., ambientlight from the sun, moon, lightning, etc.). In certain implementations,lighting conditions that match (or closely approximate) restaurants(e.g., incandescent lights, candlelight, etc.), offices (e.g.,fluorescent lights, incandescent lights, and combinations thereof),outdoor venues at different times of day (dawn, morning, noon,afternoon, sunset, dusk, etc.), outdoor venues at different seasons(spring, summer, fall, winter), outdoor venues having different weatherconditions (sunny, overcast, partly cloudy, cloudy, moonlit, starlit,etc.), sporting arenas, opera houses, dance venues, clubs, auditoriums,bars, museums, theatres, and the like can be achieved using the mirrorassembly. In some variants, the light emitted from the mirror comprisesa substantially full spectrum of light in the visible range. The mirrorassembly can be configured to permit a user to select among thedifferent types of light (e.g., color, temperature, intensity, etc.)emitted from the one or more light sources, either on the mirrorassembly or from a remote source, or the mirror assembly can beconfigured to automatically select among the different types of lightemitted from the one or more light sources.

In some variants, the intensity of individual light sources (e.g., LEDsor combinations of LEDs) is independently adjustable. In certainimplementations, changes in color temperatures can be achieved bypairing and/or mixing one or more LEDs having one color temperature withone or more other LEDs having different color temperatures. The relativeintensity of light from those LEDs can then be individually adjusted(e.g., by adjusting the brightness of one or more LEDs) to increase ordecrease the color temperature. In some embodiments, changes in colors(e.g., hues, shades, tints, tones, tinges, etc.) can be achieved bypairing one or more LEDs having one color with one or more LEDs having adifferent color. In some embodiments, as described above, the intensityof light emitted from different colored LEDs can be individuallyadjusted to cause a color change (e.g., to a color an individual LED orto colors achieved through combinations of the light emitted from theLEDs—color mixing). Adjusting the relative intensity of different LEDscan allow the user to adjust the color of the light emitted by the lightsources, the color temperature of the light emitted by the lightsources, the brightness of the light emitted by the light sources, orcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the intensity of individualLEDs can be adjusted automatically (by selecting a preset lightconfiguration, a downloaded light configuration, or an uploadedconfiguration) or manually (e.g., by adjusting color, tint, brightness,intensity, temperature, or others with manual user adjustments). In someembodiments, these adjustments allow a user to select the lightconditions that mimic any light environment.

In some embodiments, the light sources have a color temperature ofgreater than or equal to about 4500 K and/or less than or equal to about6500 K. In some embodiments, the color temperature of the light sourcesis at least about 5500 K and/or less than or equal to about 6000 K. Incertain embodiments, the color temperature of the light sources is about5700 K. As an example and as discussed elsewhere herein, in someembodiments, light emitters can be paired with other light emitters togive desired colors and color temperatures. For instance, in someembodiments, LEDs (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 or more) having one colortemperature (e.g., of 2700K) can be paired and/or mixed with LEDs (e.g.,1, 2, 3, 4 or more) having a different color temperature (e.g., of6500K) to form a single light source. In some variants, one or more LEDs(e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 or more) having a first color (e.g., red, orange,yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, and the like) can be paired withone or more LEDs (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4 or more) having a different color. Incertain variants, a light source can be formed using LEDs (e.g., one ormore LEDs) that emit incandescent light color temperatures and LEDs(e.g., one or more LEDs) that emit sunlight color temperatures. Incertain variants, a pair of LEDs that emit warm (e.g., yellow-orange)color temperatures and a pair of LEDs that emit white light (e.g., coolwhite light) are used.

Color temperatures and intensities can be selected by a user toduplicate or replicate particular light environments to improve theselection of make-up color palates, to apply make-up in optimalconfigurations and patterns, and to optimize grooming and make-upapplication outcomes. For instance, a person applying make-up to be wornat a candlelit restaurant may wish to match the color temperature andlight intensity of that environment when applying make-up. A person whois applying make-up to be worn at a sunlit picnic may wish to match thecolor temperature and light intensity of that environment when applyingmake-up. Thus, a user can select particular temperatures of light toreplicate lighting conditions.

In certain embodiments, differing light emitters (e.g., LEDs) can bepositioned at each end of a light pipe to increase the number of colors,color temperatures, brightness settings, etc., that can be achieved.

In certain variants, the light emitters are controlled by an algorithmthat selects individual light emitter intensities to provide an array ofintensities, color temperatures, and color palates.

In some embodiments, the light sources have a color rendering index ofat least about 70 and/or less than or equal to about 90. Certainembodiments of the one or more light sources have a color renderingindex (CRI) of at least about 80 and/or less than or equal to about 100.In some embodiments, the color rendering index is high, at least about87 and/or less than or equal to about 92. In some embodiments, the colorrendering index is at least about 90. In some embodiments, the colorrendering index can be about 85. In some embodiments, the light sourceshave a color rendering index of at least about 45 and/or less than orequal to about 95. Certain embodiments of the one or more light emitters64 have a color rendering index of at least about 50 and/or less than orequal to about 100. In some embodiments, the light emitters have a colorrendering index of at least about 87 and/or less than or equal to about92. In some embodiments, the light emitters have a color rendering indexof at least about 80 and/or less than or equal to about 85. In someembodiments, the light emitters have a color rendering index of at leastabout 70 and/or less than or equal to about 75. In some embodiments, thelight emitters have a color rendering index of at least about 45 and/orless than or equal to about 55.

In some embodiments, the luminous flux can be in a range from about 1 lmto about 110 lm. In some embodiments, the luminous flux can be adjustedto be less than or equal to about 1 lm, about 10 lm, about 20 lm, about30 lm, about 40 lm, about 50 lm, about 60 lm, about 70 lm, about 80 lm,about 90 lm, about 100 lm, about 110 lm, about 140 lm, about 160 lm,about 170 lm, about 180 lm, values between the aforementioned values,ranges spanning the aforementioned values, or otherwise. In someembodiments, the luminous flux can be at least about 80 lm and/or lessthan or equal to about 110 lm. In some embodiments, the luminous fluxcan be at least about 90 lm and/or less than or equal to about 100 lm.In some embodiments, the luminous flux can be about 95 lm.

In some embodiments, each light source consumes at least about 2 wattsof power and/or less than or equal to about 3 watts of power. In certainembodiments, each light source consumes about 2 watts of power. In someembodiments, the forward voltage of each light source can be at leastabout 2.4 V and/or less than or equal to about 8.0 V. In someembodiments, the forward voltage can be at least about 2.8 V and/or lessthan or equal to about 3.2 V. In some embodiments, the forward voltageis about 3.0 V. In some embodiments, the forward voltage can be at leastabout 5.5 V and/or less than or equal to about 7.5 V. In someembodiments, the forward voltage is about 2.5 to about 3.5 V.

In certain embodiments, the width of each the light pipe 10, 110(measured generally radially from the center of the mirror 4, 104) canbe less than or equal to about 30 mm, about 20 mm, about 10 mm, about7.5 mm, about 6.5 mm, about 5.0 mm, about 4.0 mm, values between theaforementioned values, or otherwise.

The mirror assembly 2 can include a sensor assembly 28, 128. In someembodiments, as shown in FIG. 1 , the sensor assembly can be positionednear a lower region of the mirror assembly 2 behind the cover member 6.In some embodiments, as in FIG. 8 , the sensor assembly can bepositioned near an upper region of the mirror assembly 102 behind thecover member 106 or elsewhere (e.g., the bottom, a side, or otherwise).Alternatively, the sensor assembly can be disposed along any otherportion of the mirror assembly 2, 102 or not positioned on the mirrorassembly 2, 102. For example, the sensor assembly can be positioned inany location in a room in which the mirror assembly 2, 102 sits. In someembodiments, the sensor assembly can be located in a phone or otherhandheld device that activates the mirror assembly 2 when the user is inproximity to it.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 28, 128 can include one or moretransmitters 36 a, 36 b, 136 and receivers 38, 138 as shown in FIGS. 6and 16 . In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 6 , the sensorassembly 28, 128 comprises a housing 28′ that supports the one or morelight transmitters and one or more receivers, each of which can beprovided behind the cover member 6, 106. In some implementations, thehousing comprises hard or rigid plastic (e.g., injection molded orotherwise), rubber, synthetic polymer, metal, composite, or anothersimilar material. In some embodiments, the housing comprises aprojection (e.g., a step, lip, elevated platform, etc.; not shown) thatprojects from the main body of the sensor assembly 28, 128. In someembodiments, the sensor assembly 80 further comprises a gasket. Incertain variants, the sensor assembly further comprises a coverslip (notshown). In some embodiments, the coverslip fits over and/or holds thegasket in contact with or within the housing and the gasket is held inplace by the housing via the projection. In some variants, the coverslipfastens into the housing using a fastener (e.g., a snap, clip, screw,etc.). In certain embodiments, the coverslip provides consistentdistributed pressure against the gasket partially compressing it and/orholding it flush against the housing via the projection. In somevariants, the coverslip, the gasket, housing assembly reproduciblyprovides a separation of a signal from the transmitter 36 a, 36 b, 136signal from the receiver 38, 138 signal.

In some embodiments, housing of the sensory assembly 28, 128beneficially lessens and/or minimizes bleeding of signal from thetransmitters 36 a, 36 b, 136 to the receiver 38, 138 (e.g., laterallyescaping or otherwise diffusing from the transmitters to the receiverthrough a portion of the sensor assembly). In some embodiments, thisconfiguration can facilitate replacement and fixation of the sensorassembly in the mirror assembly 2, 102.

In some embodiments, the gasket is composed of a soft, resilient, and/orflexible material, such as a material selected from one or more of thefollowing: silicone, PTFE, rubber, polyethylene, nylon, polypropylene,composite, and the like.

The sensor assembly 28, 128 can include a proximity sensor or areflective-type sensor. For example, the sensor can be triggered when anobject (e.g., a body part) is moved into, and/or produces movementwithin, a sensing region. The transmitters can be configured to producea signal (e.g., electromagnetic energy such as infrared light), and thereceiver can be configured to receive that signal (e.g., electromagneticenergy such as infrared light). In some embodiments, the cover member 6,106 is two-way mirror (e.g., a partially transparent and partiallyreflective portion of the mirror where, when one side of the mirror islit and the other is dark, it allows viewing—or transmission—through themirror from the darkened side but not from the lit side). In someembodiments, the cover member 6, 106 appears to be a mirrored surfacebut it allows signal emitted from the transmitters can pass through it.In some embodiments, the beam of light emitting from the transmitters 36a, 36 b, 136 can define a sensing region. In certain variants, thetransmitter can emit other types of energy, such as sound waves, radiowaves, or any other signals. The transmitter and receiver can beintegrated into the same sensor or configured as separate components.

In some embodiments, the transmitters 36 a, 36 b, 136 can emit light ina generally perpendicular direction from the front face of the mirrorassembly. In some embodiments, the transmitters 36 a, 36 b, 136 emitlight at an angle from a perpendicular to the front face of the mirrorassembly by at least about 5 degrees and/or less than or equal to about45 degrees. In some embodiments, the transmitters 36 a, 36 b, 136 emitlight at an angle from a perpendicular to the front face of the mirrorassembly by at least about 15 degrees and/or less than or equal to about60 degrees. In certain embodiments, the transmitters 36 a, 36 b, 136emit light at a downward angle of about 15 degrees.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 28, 128 can detect an objectwithin a sensing region. In certain embodiments, the sensing region canhave a range from at least about 0 degrees to less than or equal toabout 45 degrees downward and/or upward relative to an axis extendingfrom the sensor assembly 80, and/or relative to a line extendinggenerally perpendicular to a front surface of the sensor assembly,and/or relative to a line extending generally perpendicular to the frontface of the mirror and generally outwardly toward the user from the topof the mirror assembly. In certain embodiments, the sensing region canhave a range from at least about 0 degrees to less than or equal toabout 25 degrees downward and/or upward relative to any of these axes orlines. In certain embodiments, the sensing region can have a range fromat least about 0 degrees to less than or equal to about 15 degreesdownward relative to any of these axes or lines. In some embodiments,the sensing region extends a particular distance away from a mirroredsurface of the mirror system, such that any objected detected withinsuch distance will cause the sensor assembly 28, 128 to trigger, causingthe one or more mirror lights, or some other functionality of the mirrorsystem, to actuate. Any feature, structure, material, or step that isdescribed and/or illustrated in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos.2013/0235610 and 2016/0255941 for sensing proximity to assist inactuating one or more functions, or for increasing the sensitivity of asensor assembly, can be used with or instead of any feature, structure,material, or step that is described and/or illustrated in the rest ofthis specification, as with all other disclosure.

In some embodiments, the sensing region can be adjusted by modifying oneor more features of the cover member 6, 106. In certain embodiments, thecover member 6, 106 can include a lens material. In certain embodiments,the cover member 6, 106 can include a generally rectangularcross-section. In certain embodiments, the cover member 6, 106 caninclude a generally triangular cross-section. In certain embodiments,the cover member 6, 106 can include a front surface generally parallelor coplanar with a front surface of the mirror 4, 104, 104′. In certainembodiments, the cover member 6, 106 can include a front surface at anangle relative to the front surface of the mirror 4, 104, 104′. Incertain embodiments, the front surface of the cover member 6, 106 can bepositioned at an angle relative to the sensor assembly 28.

In some embodiments, the sensing area generally widens as the frontsurface of the cover member 6, 106 moves from the configurationgenerally parallel or coplanar with the front surface of the mirror 4,104, 104′ to the configuration at an angle relative to the front surfaceof the mirror 4, 104, 104′. In certain embodiments, when the frontsurface of the cover member 6, 106 is generally parallel or coplanarwith the front surface of the mirror, the sensing region can have arange from about 0 degrees to about 15 degrees downward relative to theaxis extending generally from the sensor assembly and/or generallyperpendicular to the front surface of the sensor assembly. In certainembodiments, when the front surface of the cover member 6, 106 is at anangle relative to the front surface of the mirror, the sensing regioncan have a range from about 0 degrees to about 25 degrees downwardrelative to the axis extending generally from the sensor assembly and/orgenerally perpendicular to the front surface of the sensor assembly.

The sensor assembly 28, 128 may only require enough power to generate alow power beam of light, which may or may not be visible to the humaneye. Additionally, the sensor assembly can operate in a pulsating mode.For example, the transmitters can be powered on and off in a cycle suchas, for example, for short bursts lasting for any desired period of time(e.g., less than or equal to about 0.01 second, less than or equal toabout 0.1 second, or less than or equal to about 1 second) at anydesired frequency (e.g., once per half second, once per second, once perten seconds). Cycling can greatly reduce the power demand for poweringthe sensor assembly. In operation, cycling does not degrade performancein some embodiments because the user generally remains in the path ofthe light beam long enough for a detection signal to be generated.

In some embodiments, if the receiving portion 38, 138 detectsreflections (e.g., above a threshold level) from an object within thebeam of light emitted from the transmitter, the sensor assembly 28, 128can send a signal to a controller to activate a light source. In someembodiments, the controller assembly is operably connected (via a wireor a conduit) to one or a plurality of printed circuit boards (PCBs),which can provide hard wired feedback control circuits, a processor andmemory devices for storing and performing control routines, or any othertype of controller.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly 28, 128 can send differentsignals to the controller (not pictured) based on the amount of lightreflected back toward the receiver. For example, in some embodiments,the sensor assembly is configured such that the amount of light emittedby the light sources is proportional to the amount of reflected light,which can indicate the distance between the mirror and the user. Incertain variants, if the user is in a first sensing region, then thecontroller causes the one or more light sources to activate from an offstate or to emit a first amount of light. If the user is in a secondsensing region (e.g., further away from the sensor assembly than thefirst sensing region), then the controller causes the one or more lightsources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ to emit a secondamount of light (e.g., less than the first amount of light).

In some embodiments, the controller can trigger at least two differentlevels of brightness from the light sources, such as brighter light ordimmer light. For example, if the user is anywhere in a first sensingregion, then the controller signals for bright light to be emitted; ifthe user is anywhere in a second sensing region, then the controllersignals for dim light to be emitted.

In some embodiments, the controller can also trigger more than twobrightness levels. In certain implementations, the level of emittedlight is related (e.g., linearly, exponentially, or otherwise) to thedistance from the sensor to the user. For example, as the user getscloser to the sensor assembly, the one or more light sources emit morelight. Alternatively, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can be configured toemit more light when the user is further away from the sensor assembly28, 128 and less light as the user moves closer to the sensor assembly(as may be configured using user settings). In some embodiments, themirror assembly 2, 102 can be configured to emit more light when theuser is closer to a focal point of a mirror of the sensor assembly 28,128 and less light as the user moves farther from the focal point of themirror of the sensor assembly (as may be configured using usersettings). In some embodiments, the multiple sensing regions allow themirror assembly to calculate the distance an object is from the mirrorand to adjust lighting settings accordingly. For instance, in certainimplementations, based on the distance the object is from the mirrorassembly, an algorithm can calculate the amount of illuminationnecessary to illuminate the object. Based on the distance, more or lesslight can be emitted from the light source to illuminate the object.

In some embodiments, each transmitter of the sensor emits a cone oflight with proper shielding or guiding on the transmitters, whichdefines the detection zones of the sensors (subject to the nominal rangeof the sensors). The area in which the two cones overlap creates aprimary sensing region, and areas in which the two cones emit light butdo not overlap create a secondary sensing region. If a user is detectedin the primary sensing region, then the sensor assembly sends anappropriate signal to the controller, which triggers a first level oflight from the light sources. If a user is detected in the secondarysensing region, then the sensor assembly sends an appropriate signal tothe controller, which activates a second level of light from the lightsources. In some embodiments, the first level of light is brighter thanthe second level of light. In other embodiments, the second level oflight is brighter than the first level of light. In some embodiments,the sensor assembly defines more than two sensing regions and triggersmore than two levels of light.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the light emitting portions 38 can be positionedgenerally along the same horizontal plane (e.g., relative to theground). The sensor assembly 28 can issue an appropriate signal to thecontroller, which can trigger brighter light when the user is within afirst sensing region, directly in front of the sensor assembly 28. Thesensor assembly can trigger dimmer light when the user is within asecond sensing region, in the periphery of the mirror assembly 2, 102.

The sensor assembly 28, 128 can include two or more light emittingportions that do not create overlapping detection cones within thenominal range of the sensors. A first cone of light defines a firstsensing region and a second cone of light defines a second sensingregion. If a user is detected in the first sensing region alone or thesecond sensing region alone, then the sensor assembly signals thecontroller, which activates a first level of light from the lightsources. In certain variants, if a user is concurrently detected in thefirst and second sensing regions, then the sensor assembly signals thecontroller to activate a second level of light from the light sources.In some embodiments, the first level of light is brighter than thesecond level of light. In other embodiments, the second level of lightis brighter than the first level of light.

Activation of the light sources or adjusting the amount of light emittedfrom the light sources can be based on factors other than the presenceof a user within a sensing region. For example, the amount of lightemitted from the light sources can adjust based on motion within thedetection zone and nominal range of the sensor. Certain implementationsare configured such that, if a user moves his/her hand in an presetdirection (e.g., up, down, left, right, diagonally, etc.), then thecontroller changes an aspect of the light emitted from the light source(e.g., color temperature change, color, or light intensity). If the usermoves then moves his/her hand in a in the opposite direction, theopposite light effect will be accomplished.

Once a light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″activates, the light source can remain activated so long as the sensorassembly 28, 128 detects an object in a sensing region. Alternatively,the light source remains activated for a pre-determined period of time.For example, activating the light source can initialize a timer. If thesensor assembly does not detect an object before the timer runs out,then the light source is deactivated. If the sensor assembly detects anobject before the timer runs out, then the controller reinitializes thetimer, either immediately or after the time runs out.

In some embodiments, the sensor assembly can detect an object's movementin a sensing region. In certain implementations, when the object'smovement is sufficient in nature, the mirror assembly will activate. Insome variants, the sufficiency of an object's movement is based onwhether the moving object is of a certain minimum size (e.g., about thatof a human adult or child), whether the movement of the object is of acertain minimum speed (e.g., an average walking speed, or the speed ofwaving hand), and/or whether the movement of the object is of a certainmaximum distance from the mirror assembly (e.g., less than about 10, 5,3, 2, or 1 foot).

Once activated, the light source can remain activated for apre-determined period of time. For example, as discussed above,activating the light source can initialize a timer. If the sensorassembly does not detect sufficient movement from the object before thetimer runs out, then the light source deactivates. However, if thesensor assembly detects movement sufficient in nature before the timerruns out, then the controller reinitializes the timer, keeping themirror assembly in an active state. In some embodiments, the amount ofobject movement required to reinitialize the timer can be the same as orsmaller in kind, speed, or frequency than the amount of movementsufficient to initially activate a mirror assembly that is inactive, orthe proximity distance of the object to the mirror assembly can be thesame as or greater than the proximity distance of the object to themirror assembly sufficient to initially activate the mirror system thatis inactive. For instance, in certain embodiments, a movement that isinsufficient to activate the mirror assembly in the first place can besufficient to keep the mirror assembly active once in the active state.The timing and increased sensitivity features can be used to ensure thatthe mirror assembly does not deactivate prematurely or unexpectedly orat a time when it is still in use.

The one or more sensing regions can be used in any type of configurationthat allows the user to control an aspect of the operation of the mirrorassembly 2, 102. For example, the one or more sensing regions can beused to trigger the mirror assembly 2, 102 to emit different levels oflight, operate for varying durations of time, pivot the mirror, or anyother appropriate parameter.

In several embodiments, the mirror assembly 2, 102 has one or more modesof operation, for example, an on mode and an off mode. A controller canactivate different modes based on signals received from differentsensing regions, motions, or any other parameter. Any of the modesdescribed below can be used separately or in combination with eachother.

The mirror assembly 2, 102 can include a task mode. When the task modeis activated, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can trigger a light source toremain activated or cause the sensor to enter a hyper mode (e.g., duringwhich the sensor is configured to have increased sensitivity to movementwithin a zone, or to have a larger or wider sensitivity zone, or to havesome other increased sensitivity signal detection) for a pre-determinedperiod of time. For example, in some embodiments, the task mode can beespecially useful when the user plans to use the mirror assembly 2, 102for an extended period of time, especially if the user's body positionis substantially still for an extended period, to avoid intermittentloss of lighting while the user is still looking into the mirror. Thetask mode can trigger a light source to remain activated for apredetermined amount of time, even if the user is not detected within asensing region. The pre-determined amount of time can be less than orequal to about: 3 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or any other suitableperiod of time. If the sensor assembly 28 does not detect a user beforethe timer runs out, then the mirror assembly 2, 102 deactivates taskmode. In certain embodiments, the mirror assembly 2, 102 remains in taskmode until the user signals a light source to deactivate.

The mirror assembly 2, 102 can include a power saver mode. When thepower saver mode is activated, the light source emits less light thanthe mirror assembly 2, 102 when not in power saver mode. The power savermode can be user-activated and can be used when a user plans to use themirror for a relatively long period of time. Alternatively, the mirrorassembly 2, 102 enters power saver mode automatically as a transitionbetween on mode and off mode. For example, a controller can initialize atimer when a light source activates. If the sensor assembly does notdetect a user before the timer runs out, then the controller enterspower saver mode and initializes a second timer. If the sensor assemblydoes not detect a user before the second timer runs out, then thecontroller deactivates the light source.

The mirror assembly 2, 102 can include a hyper mode. As described above,in some embodiments, the mirror assembly 2, 102 has two lighttransmitters, each emitting a cone of light. In certain implementations,the controller only triggers the light sources to activate when thesensor assembly detects an object in the region where the two cones oflight intersect (e.g., the primary sensing region). In some embodiments,after the light source has been activated, the mirror assembly 2, 102enters hyper mode. The controller can keep the light sources activatedas long as the sensor assembly detects the user in either one or both ofthe cones of light (the secondary or the primary sensing regions). Thesecondary sensing region can be different from the primary sensingregion. For example, the secondary sensing region can be larger than theprimary sensing region. In some embodiments, this allows the user tomove around and still keep the light source activated. Hyper mode canalso help save power by preventing unintentional activation when theuser is near a periphery of the mirror assembly 2, 102.

The mirror assembly 2, 102 can also include ambient light sensingcapabilities. For example, when the ambient light is relatively low, thelight emitting from the light source will be brighter than if theambient light is relatively bright. Conversely, when the ambient lightis relatively low, the light emitting from the light source can bedimmer than if the ambient light is relatively bright. In someembodiments, dimming the emitted light in dim ambient conditionsadvantageously conserves power and/or battery life used by the mirrorassembly. The receiver 38, 138 can detect both ambient light and lightemitted from the transmitter, or the mirror assembly 2, 102 can includea second sensor assembly for detecting ambient light.

The controller can adjust the amount of signal necessary to trigger alight source based on the amount of detected ambient light. For example,the amount of detected light required to activate the light sources canbe proportional to the ambient light. Such a configuration can allow thelight source to be activated even when the level of ambient light ismodest (e.g., in dimmed bathroom lighting). When the ambient light isless than or equal to a first level, the controller activates lightsource when a first level of the reflected signal is detected. When theambient light is greater than the first level, the controller activateslight source when a second level (e.g., greater than the first level) ofthe reflected signal is detected.

The controller can also adjust the amount of light emitted by the lightsources based on the ambient light. Such a configuration can, forexample, avoid emitting a starting burst of very bright light that wouldbe uncomfortable to a user's eyes, especially when the user's eyes werepreviously adjusted to a lower light level, such as when the surroundingenvironment is dim. For example, the amount of light emitted by thelight sources can be proportional to the amount of ambient detectedlight.

The controller can also gradually increase the level of emitted lightfrom the light sources when the light sources are activated and/orgradually decrease the amount of light emitted from the light sourceswhen the light sources are deactivated. Such a configuration can inhibitdiscomfort to a user's eyes when the light sources turn on.

The mirror assembly 2, 102 can also include a calibration mode. Forexample, the calibration mode can calibrate the different sensingregions with different output characteristics as desired by the user. Analgorithm can be configured to utilize multiple sensing regions toperform different functions. For example, a user can configure a firstsensing region to correspond with a first level of light (e.g., lowerintensity light) and configure a second sensing region to correspondwith a second level of light (e.g., higher intensity light). In anotherexample, the user can adjust the size (e.g., width or height) of thesensing region. The user can designate a first sensing region tocorrespond with a first level of light and designate a second sensingregion to correspond with a second level of light. This calibration modecan be triggered by a user indicator, such as pressing a button,activating a sensor, or any other appropriate mechanism.

In some embodiments, the sensing region is designed so that the centerof a user's face is generally positioned at about the center of themirror portion, at a suitable perpendicular distance away from themirror to permit the user to generally closely fit the user's facewithin the outer periphery of the mirror. For example, in someembodiments, the region can be within a range of at least about 10inches and/or less than or equal to about 12 inches (e.g., about 11inches) from the front face of the mirror, and another region can be ina range of at least about 7 inches and/or less than or equal to about 9inches (e.g., about 8 inches) from the front face of the mirror.

An algorithm can be configured to send a command to activate the lightsources based on the detected signal. The algorithm can also beconfigured to emit different levels of light or vary durations of time.The algorithm can also be configured to send a command to trigger one ormore modes, including any of the modes discussed above. The command canvary based on the signal received. For example, the signal can depend onthe distance between an object and the sensor assembly 28, 128, and/orother parameters such as duration or path of motion.

The algorithm can initialize a timer when a light source is activated.The timer can run for at least 30 seconds and/or less than or equal to60 seconds, or any other quantity of time. In some embodiments, thetimer can run for less than 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the timercan run for about five seconds. In some embodiments, the light sourcewill immediately turn off when the time runs out. In some embodiments,the light will remain activated so long as the sensor assembly 28, 128detects an object before time runs out. If the sensor assembly detectsthe object, the timer can immediately restart, or restart when the timeruns out. If the sensor assembly does not detect an object before thetime runs out, then the light source will turn off.

The algorithm can incorporate a delay that deactivates the sensor orotherwise prevents a light source from emitting light immediately afterthe light source deactivates. The delay can be for 1 second, 5 seconds,or any other amount of time. The delay helps prevent the user fromunintentionally triggering the light source. During the delay period,the light source will not emit light even if an object is in a sensingregion during the delay period. If the sensor assembly detects an objectafter the delay period, the light sources can emit light again.

The level of light emitted from the light sources does not depend solelyor at all on the length of time that the user remains in the sensingregion. The level of light emitted from the light sources can differdepending on the location of the user in a different sensing region,even if certain other parameters are the same (such as the length oftime that the user is sensed in a region).

In some embodiments, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can include an algorithmconfigured to detect whether the mirror was inadvertently activated,such as with a false trigger or by the presence of an inanimate object.For example, when the sensor detects an object, the controller caninitialize a timer. If the mirror assembly does not detect any movementbefore the timer runs out, then the light sources will turn off. If themirror assembly does detect movement, then the timer can re-initialize.

The illuminance level can be higher at a distance closer to the face ofthe mirror. In certain variants, the lux at a distance of 6 inches fromthe sensor (and/or the mirror 4, 104, 104′, 104″) is about 600 lux. Incertain variants, the lux at a distance of 6 inches from the sensor(and/or the mirror) is at least about 1 lux and/or less than about 1400lux, at least about 100 lux and/or less than about 1100 lux, at leastabout 200 lux and/or less than about 1000 lux, at least about 300 luxand/or less than about 900 lux, at least about 400 lux and/or less thanabout 800 lux, at least about 500 lux and/or less than about 700 lux,ranges between the values comprising the aforementioned ranges, orotherwise. In some embodiments, the illuminance at an outer periphery ofthe sensing region is about 700 lux. In some embodiments, theilluminance at an outer periphery of the sensing region is about 600lux. In some embodiments, the illuminance at an outer periphery of thesensing region is at least about 5×10⁻⁵ lux (about the illuminance ofstarlight) and/or less than about 1×10⁵ lux (about the illuminance ofdirect sunlight). In certain variants, the lux at the outer periphery ofthe sensing region is at least about 1×10⁻⁴ lux and/or less than about1×10⁴ lux, at least about 1×10⁻³ lux and/or less than about 1×10³ lux,at least about 1×10⁻² lux and/or less than about 1×10³ lux, at leastabout 1×10⁻¹ lux and/or less than about 1×10⁴ lux, ranges between theaforementioned values, or otherwise. Many other sensing regions can alsobe utilized, some of which are described below. In certain variants, themirror assembly 2, 102 can include a dimmer to adjust the intensity ofthe light.

In some embodiments, the sensing region extends less than or equal toabout: 8, 12, 16, or 24 inches away from the face of the mirror. Manyother sensing regions can also be utilized, some of which are describedherein. In certain variants, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can include adimmer to adjust the intensity of the light.

As shown in FIG. 6 , the light sources can be positioned near theuppermost region of the mirror assembly. As shown in FIG. 9 , the lightsources can be positioned near the bottommost region of the mirrorassembly. In other embodiments, the light sources are positioned atother portions of the mirror assembly 2, 102, such as, within the lightpipe 10, 110 at spaced-apart intervals around the periphery of thesupport portion mirror and/or along a side of a mirror. In someembodiments, as described elsewhere herein and as shown in FIGS. 6 and16 , the light emitters are not aimed at a back surface of the outerface 42, 142. Instead, the light emitters project light into a lightpipe 10, 110 which resides in a channel 41, 141 of the mirror assembly2, 102. The light sources can be positioned to emit light substantiallyorthogonally to the viewing surface of the mirror assembly 2, 102. Thelight emitters 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ shown in FIG. 9 arepositioned and/or aimed so that the light emitted from them is directedsubstantially orthogonally to the viewing surface (e.g., in a directionnot toward the user). In some embodiments, the light emitters arepositioned to emit light in a direction that is substantially in a planeformed by the mirror 104 and/or in a direction that is substantially ina plane that is parallel to the plane formed by the mirror 104. In someembodiments, despite being positioned to not emit light toward the user,the light from the mirror assembly is projected in a manner that allowsit to exit the outer face 42, 142 to illuminate the user.

In some embodiments, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can be configured to usean audio sensor or an audio signal derived from an audio sensor, such asan audio sensor or audio signal configured to sense or to correspond toor to represent one or more voice commands or other sounds (e.g.,clapping, snapping, or otherwise) received from a user, in order toactuate or adjust any of one or more features or settings of the mirrorassembly 2, 102, including any of the features or settings that areillustrated and/or described anywhere in this specification (includingin the drawings and text that are incorporated by reference herein),such as the state of a mirror light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″,130 b′, 130 b″ (e.g., on or off), the intensity, brightness, color,and/or temperature of a mirror light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″,130 b′, 130 b″, a sensitivity of a proximity sensor (e.g., an area ordistance from the mirror assembly 2, 102 that defines the sensingregion), and/or any other adjustable light variable or other featuredisclosed herein. As an illustrative example, the audio sensor may be amicrophone configured to transduce sound waves into electronic audiosignals. In some embodiments, the audio sensor can be the only sensorutilized to actuate or adjust one or more features or settings of themirror assembly 2, 102, or the audio sensor can be used with one or moreother sensors, such as one or more movement or proximity sensors (e.g.,as described anywhere in this specification). Regarding the audiosensor, a data storage medium (e.g., a hard disk, a solid state drive,flash memory, random access memory (RAM), other memory devices, etc.),such as a memory device located on a PCB in the mirror assembly 2, 102,can store data representing one or more keywords or sounds. A keyword orsound (also referred to herein as a wake word or a code word) may be aword that is associated with a particular action or state of the mirrorassembly 2, 102. When the mirror assembly 2, 102 detects a particularkeyword or sound, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can perform a correspondingaction (e.g., turn on a mirror light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″,130 b′, 130 b″, turn off a mirror light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130a″, 130 b′, 130 b″, adjust an intensity, brightness, color, and/ortemperature of a mirror light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′,130 b″, a sensitivity of a proximity sensor, etc.) and/or transition toa corresponding state (e.g., transition to a light stay-on mode ortransition to a light stay-off mode, which are described in greaterdetail below).

The audio sensor can be included adjacent to the sensor assembly 28,128, at another position within or coupled to the light pipe 10, withinor coupled to the mirror 4, within or coupled to the housing portion 8(e.g., the support portion 20, the shaft portion 12, the base portion14, the pivot portion 16, etc.), adjacent to port 24, 124, and/or at anyother portion of the mirror assembly 2, 102. For example, the audiosensor can be disposed on a generally outer portion of the mirrorassembly 2, 102 (e.g., the light pipe 10, the support portion 20, theshaft portion 12, the base portion 14, the pivot portion 16, etc.). Insome embodiments, at least a portion of the audio sensor is exposed tothe mirror exterior. In other embodiments, the audio sensor is notexposed to the mirror exterior and a hard or soft grill can be coupledwith the audio sensor to protect the audio sensor while still allowingsound to pass from the mirror exterior to the audio sensor. The audiosensor may capture sound, such as an utterance spoken by or a sound madeby a user. Once captured, the audio sensor can transform the sound intoan electrical audio signal that represents the captured sound andtransmit the electrical audio signal to the controller and/or a separateaudio processor.

Using instructions and/or algorithms stored in the memory device, one ormore of the processors of the controller and/or the separate audioprocessor can perform speech recognition on the received electricalaudio signal to identify any words that may have been spoken and/or canperform audio processing on the received electrical audio signal toidentify sounds that may have been made. The processor(s) can thencompare the identified words (or sounds) with the one or more keywords(e.g., using the data representing one or more keywords stored in thememory) (or one or more known sounds) to determine if there are anymatches. Thus, the processor(s) can perform a comparison of the capturedaudio with known keywords (or sounds) to determine whether a user saidany of the known keywords (or the user made any of the known sounds).

Optionally, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can include a network interface(e.g., a modem, an Ethernet port, a wireless transceiver, etc.) used totransmit data over a wired and/or wireless connection. Alternatively,the mirror assembly 2, 102 can use the network interface to transmit thereceived electrical audio signal to a remote system (e.g., a server orother computing device external to the mirror assembly 2, 102). In someembodiments, the remote system can perform the speech recognition and/oraudio processing as described above, and transmit the identifiedkeywords and/or sounds to the controller for performing the comparisonoperations. In other embodiments, the remote system can perform thespeech recognition and/or audio processing and the comparison describedabove, and provide the results of the comparison to the controller.

If an identified word does not match a keyword (or an identified sounddoes not match a known sound), the controller takes no action (and/orthe audio processor does not direct the controller to take action). Ifan identified word matches a keyword (or an identified sound matches aknown sound), the controller can then perform an action and/ortransition to a state associated with the keyword or sound (and/or theaudio processor instructs the controller to perform an action and/ortransition to a state associated with the keyword sound). For example,if the processor(s) determines that the user said a keyword or made asound associated with the turning on of a light source 30 a, 30 b, 130a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ (e.g., “TURN ON LIGHT” or “ILLUMINATEMIRROR,” etc.), the controller can cause the mirror assembly 2, 102 toilluminate one or more of the light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″,130 b′, 130 b″. Likewise, if the processor(s) determines that the usersaid a keyword or made a sound associated with the disabling of a lightsource 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ (e.g., “TURN OFFLIGHT” or “DISABLE MIRROR LIGHT,” etc.), the controller can cause themirror assembly 2, 102 to turn off one or more of the light sources 30a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″. As another example, if theprocessor(s) determines that the user said a keyword or made a soundassociated with a desire to keep a light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ on for an extended period (e.g., “STAY ON” or “ONMODE,” etc.), the controller can cause the mirror assembly 2, 102 toilluminate one or more light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′,130 b″ (if the light source(s) 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130b″ are disabled) or not cause the mirror assembly 2, 102 to turn thelight sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ off even if noobject is detected by the components of the sensor assembly 28, 128 foran extended period or indefinitely. In some embodiments, the extendedperiod can be at least about 20 seconds or at least about 30 seconds orat least about one minute, etc. Likewise, if the processor(s) determinesthat the user said a keyword or made a sound associated with a desire tokeep one or more of the light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130b′, 130 b″ off for an extended period (e.g., “STAY OFF” or “OFF MODE,”etc.), such as to avoid unintentionally triggering the turning on of alight source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ when someone isworking around or otherwise near the mirror assembly 2, 102 for someother reason besides using the mirror, the controller can cause themirror assembly 2, 102 to turn off the light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′,130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ (if one or more light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′,130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ are enabled) or not cause the mirror assembly 2,102 to turn on one or more light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130b′, 130 b″ even if an object is detected by the components of the sensorassembly 28, 128 for an extended period. In some embodiments, one ormore light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ may remainon or off until a repeated or different keyword is uttered or sound ismade (e.g., a keyword associated with the turning off or on of one ormore light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″), until apredetermined period of time has passed (e.g., at least about 1 minute,at least about 5 minutes, etc.), and/or the like. It is contemplatedthat any type of location detection or motion detection or sounddetection, including any of those that are disclosed in thisspecification, or any combination of such modes of detection, can beused by the electronic controller of the mirror assembly 2, 102 toactuate or adjust any function or setting described in thisspecification.

In some embodiments, the keywords recognized by the mirror assembly 2,102 are preset. For example, the data representing the keywords or knownsounds can be stored in the memory device during assembly and/ormanufacture of the mirror assembly 2, 102.

In some embodiments, the keywords and/or sounds recognized by the mirrorassembly 2, 102 are user-defined. For example, the mirror assembly 2,102 can include a button, switch, or other such user input componentthat, when enabled, causes the mirror assembly 2, 102 to enter atraining mode. In the training mode, a display or screen of the mirrorassembly 2, 102 or the mirror 4 itself can identify an action or stateof the mirror assembly 2, 102 and prompt a user to say a keyword orproduce a sound that will then be associated with the action or state.The audio sensor can capture the keyword uttered by the user or thesound produced by the user and transmit the representative electricalaudio signal to the controller and/or audio processor. The controllerand/or audio processor can perform speech recognition and/or audioprocessing on the electrical audio signal to generate data representingthe uttered keyword or produced sound and the generated data can bestored in the memory device for later use. The mirror assembly 2, 102can repeat this process for any number of actions or states that can beassociated with a keyword or sound. In addition, the mirror assembly 2,102 can repeat this process for multiple users. Different users may saythe same word or produce a similar sound in different ways (e.g., withdifferent accents, intonations, inflections, pitch, rate, rhythm,intensity, etc.) and so it may be useful to store varied pronunciationsof a single keyword and/or varied productions of a sound to improve theaccuracy of the speech recognition and/or audio processing, and thus toimprove the accuracy of the actions performed by the mirror assembly 2,102. The memory device can store one or more pronunciations for a singlekeyword and any number of these pronunciations can be compared with theidentified words during the speech recognition process, and can storeone or more productions of a single sound and any number of these soundproductions can be compared with the identified sound during the audioprocessing process.

In embodiments in which the mirror assembly 2, 102 includes a networkinterface, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can receive keyword and/or soundinformation wirelessly from a user device. The network interfacecomponents can include an antenna, a transceiver coupled with theantenna, and related circuitry. The antenna can be disposed on agenerally outer portion of the mirror assembly 2, 102 (e.g., the lightpipe 10, the support portion 20, the shaft portion 12, the base portion14, the pivot portion 16, etc.). In some embodiments, at least a portionof the antenna is exposed to the mirror exterior. The antenna may bepositioned in a manner that avoids signal interference when the mirrorhead 103 changes positions. The antenna can transmit signals receivedfrom the transceiver and receive signals transmitted by the user device.The antenna forwards signals received from the user device to thetransceiver.

The transceiver can be located anywhere within the interior of themirror assembly 2, 102. For example, the transceiver can be a chipincluded within the controller. The transceiver can package data fortransmission over the antenna and unpackage data received by theantenna. The transceiver may be able to communicate over a variety ofnetworks, such as a cellular network, a network using the IEEE 802.11protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi), a network using the Bluetooth® protocol, and/orthe like. The transceiver can forward unpackaged data to the controllerfor processing and/or storage.

A user device can be any electronic device. For example, a user devicecan include a wide variety of computing devices, including personalcomputing devices, terminal computing devices, laptop computing devices,tablet computing devices, electronic reader devices, mobile devices(e.g., mobile phones, media players, handheld gaming devices, etc.),wearable devices with network access and program execution capabilities(e.g., “smart watches” or “smart eyewear”), wireless devices, homeautomation devices (e.g., “smart thermostats,” “smart meters,” ordigital assistant-enabled speakers), set-top boxes, gaming consoles,entertainment systems, televisions with network access and programexecution capabilities (e.g., “smart TVs”), and various other electronicdevices and appliances. The user device can be equipped with software oran “app” that is configured to enable the user device and/or the mirrorassembly 2, 102 to perform any of the functions, tasks and/or stepsdescribed and/or illustrated herein.

For example, using the app, a user can establish a wired or wirelessconnection between the user device and the mirror assembly 2, 102 (e.g.,via communications that pass through the network interface components).The app can then be used to train the mirror assembly 2, 102. The appcan generate a user interface for display on the screen of the userdevice that identifies an action or state of the mirror assembly 2, 102and that prompts a user to say a keyword or produce a sound that willthen be associated with the action or state. In some embodiments, amicrophone of the user device captures the keyword uttered by the useror the sound produced by the user, and the user device performs speechrecognition or audio processing to generate data representing theuttered keyword or produced sound. The generated data is thentransmitted to the controller, via the antenna, the transceiver, and/orthe related circuitry, for storage in the memory device. The generateddata can also be stored locally on the user device (e.g., by storing thegenerated data locally, the user device can be used to program multiplemirror assemblies 2, 102 without having the user repeat the trainingprocess). In some embodiments, a microphone of the user device capturesthe keyword uttered by the user or the sound produced by the user, andthe representative electrical audio signal is transmitted to thecontroller via the antenna, the transceiver, and/or the relatedcircuitry. The representative electrical audio signal can also be storedlocally on the user device to, for example, allow the user to programmultiple mirror assemblies 2, 102 without having to repeat the trainingprocess. The controller then performs speech recognition or audioprocessing to generate data representing the uttered keyword or producedsound and stores the generated data in the memory device. The app canrepeat this process for any number of actions or states that can beassociated with a keyword or sound. In addition, the app can repeat thisprocess for multiple users. As described above, different users may saythe same word in different ways or produce a similar sound in differentways (e.g., with different accents, intonations, inflections, pitch,rate, rhythm, intensity, etc.) and so it may be useful to store variedpronunciations of a single keyword and/or varied productions of a soundto improve the accuracy of the speech recognition or audio processing,and thus to improve the accuracy of the actions performed by the mirrorassembly 2, 102. The memory device can store one or more pronunciationsfor a single keyword and any number of these pronunciations can becompared with the identified words during the speech recognitionprocess, and can store one or more productions of a single sound and anynumber of these sound productions can be compared with the identifiedsound during the audio processing process.

As another example, using the app, a user can establish a wired orwireless connection between the user device and the mirror assembly 2,102 (e.g., via communications that pass through the network interfacecomponents). The app can then be used to control the actuation and/oradjustment of various mirror assembly 2, 102 features or settings. Forexample, the user device may include a touch screen or physical buttonsthat a user can use to turn on one or more light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″, turn off one or more light sources 30 a, 30b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″, select a time period during which oneor more light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ are toremain on or off, adjust an intensity, brightness, color, and/ortemperature of a mirror light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′,130 b″, adjust a sensitivity of a proximity sensor, and/or actuate oradjust any other light variable described herein. As an illustrativeexample, the user device may display a user interface in a screen, wherethe user interface identifies various states of the mirror assembly 2,102 (e.g., the light sources 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″)and includes selectable buttons, menus, sliders, and/or the likeassociated with the various states that can be used to actuate or adjustthe features or settings of the mirror assembly 2, 102. Alternatively orin addition, the user can indicate an intention to provide a voicecommand (or not provide any indication), which causes a processor of theuser device to perform speech recognition or audio processing of anelectrical audio signal generated by the microphone of the user device(e.g., generated based on a sound wave captured by the microphone) toidentify an uttered word(s) or produced sound. As described herein, theuser device may store known keywords and/or sounds that are associatedwith specific mirror assembly 2, 102 actions. Thus, the user device cancompare the identified word(s) or produced sound with known keywordsand/or sounds to determine whether a match exists. If a match exists,the user device can generate an instruction corresponding to the actionassociated with the matching keyword or sound that, when transmitted tothe mirror assembly 2, 102, causes the mirror assembly 2, 102 to performthe corresponding action. If no match exists, then the user device mayperform no action. In other embodiments, the user device can transmitthe results of the speech recognition and/or audio processing to themirror assembly 2, 102 (e.g., the controller), and the controller canperform the comparison described herein to determine which action toperform, if any. In still other embodiments, the user device cantransmit the electrical audio signal generated by the microphone to aremote system (e.g., a computing system or device external to the userdevice). The remote system can then perform the speech recognitionand/or audio processing to identify an uttered word(s) or producedsound, and the remote system can then transmit an indication of theuttered word(s) or produced sound to the user device. The user devicecan then perform the comparison or forward the indication to the mirrorassembly 2, 102 to allow the mirror assembly 2, 102 to perform thecomparison. In general, any of the remote system, the user device,and/or the mirror assembly 2, 102 can perform any of the voice commandoperations described herein.

Once a button, menu, slider, etc. associated with a particular state ofthe mirror assembly 2, 102 is selected and/or adjusted and/or a voicecommand is provided, the user device can transmit an instruction to thecontroller over the wired or wireless connection via the networkinterface, where reception of the instruction causes the controller toadjust or actuate the mirror assembly 2, 102 to place the mirrorassembly 2, 102 in the state corresponding to the selection, adjustment,or voice command. In particular, the instruction includes informationidentifying which feature or setting of the mirror assembly 2, 102 toadjust or actuate, when the adjustment or actuation should occur, and/orthe amount by which the feature or setting should be adjusted oractuated (e.g., the amount by which a light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′,130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ brightness should be increased or decreased, theamount by which a light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130b″ color should be changed, etc.).

In some embodiments, the network interface components can also be usedto obtain keyword and/or sound data from an informational source (e.g.,the Internet, a home system, etc.). The keyword and/or sound data can bestored in the memory device for later use.

In certain embodiments, the voice recognition capability and the objectdetection capability of the mirror assembly 2, 102 can work inconjunction to determine when to adjust or actuate one or more functionsof the mirror assembly 2, 102, such as when to turn on or off a lightsource 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″. For example, FIG. 15illustrates an example algorithm process 2600 of controlling the stateof a light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″. Theprocess 2600 may be performed by the controller and/or audio processorof mirror assembly 2, 102, the user device, the remote system, and/orany combination thereof, as described above. The method can beimplemented, in part or entirely, by a software module of the controllerand/or audio processor or implemented elsewhere in the mirror assembly2, 102, for example by one or more processors executing logic incontroller. In some embodiments, the controller and/or audio processorincludes one or more processors in electronic communication with atleast one computer-readable memory storing instructions to be executedby the at least one processor of the controller and/or the audioprocessor, where the instructions cause the mirror assembly 2, 102 toimplement the process 2600. The process 2600 starts at block 2602.

As illustrated, the process 2600 moves to block 2604 where a signal isemitted using a transmitter, such as the transmitter 36 a, 36 b, 136. Insome embodiments, the transmitter 36 a, 36 b, 136 is configured to emita signal generally perpendicular from the front face of the mirrorassembly 2, 102 (e.g., between about 5 and about 60 degrees from thefront face of the mirror assembly 2, 102).

As shown, the process 2600 can include block 2606 where a determinationis made as to whether an object is detected, such as in the sensingregion. For example, the receiver can determine whether a reflectedsignal is detected in response to the signal emitted by the transmitter36 a, 36 b, 136 (and provides such indication to the controller), whichmay indicate that an object is in the sensing region. If no object isdetected, the process 2600 moves to block 2608. However, if an object isdetected, the process 2600 continues to block 2610.

At block 2608, a determination is made as to whether a light source 30a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ is on. For example, even thoughno object is detected, the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130b′, 130 b″ may still be on if the user uttered a keyword or produced asound associated with the turning on of the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″. If the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ is off, the process 2600 moves to block 2620.Otherwise, the process 2600 moves to block 2618 to turn off the lightsource 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ and then proceeds toblock 2620.

As illustrated, a determination is made as to whether the light source30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ is off at block 2610. Forexample, as described above, the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ may be on even before an object is detected in thesensing region if the user uttered a keyword or produced a sound thatcaused the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ toturn on. If the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″is off, the process 2600 moves to block 2612 to turn on the light source30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ and then proceeds to block2614. For example, in response to an object being detected in thesensing region, the controller can send a signal that causes a lightsource 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ to illuminate.However, if the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″is already on, the process 2600 proceeds directly to block 2614.

In the block 2612, it can be determined whether or not the mirrorassembly 2, 102 is being used in a bright environment, such as ambientsunlight, before the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′,130 b″ is turned on (e.g., via an ambient light sensor) in a manner asdescribed above. If it is determined, in the block 2612, that the mirrorassembly 2, 102 is in a bright environment, the process 2600 can returnto block 2604 and repeat without turning on the light source 30 a, 30 b,130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″. On the other hand, if it is determinedin block 2612 that the mirror assembly 2, 102 is not in a brightenvironment, the process 2600 can move on to block 2614 after turning onthe light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″.

In some embodiments, the process 2600 moves to block 2614, which caninclude producing the sensing region. For example, transmitter 36 a, 36b, 136 can continue to produce the sensing region.

As illustrated, the process 2600 can include block 2616 where adetermination is made as to whether a further object-detection event hasoccurred. For example, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can determine whetheran object has been detected in the sensing region. If a furtherobject-detection event has occurred, the process 2600 can revert toblock 2614, in which the sensing region is produced.

If no further object-detection event has occurred, the process 2600 cancontinue to block 2618. In some embodiments, the process 2600 includes atimer or delay before moving to block 2618. For example, the process2600 can include determining that no further object-detection event hasoccurred for at least a predetermined amount of time, such as at leastabout: 1, 2, 3, or 4 seconds. This can enable a user to briefly leavethe sensing region without the process 2600 continuing to block 2618.

As described above, block 2618 includes turning off the light source 30a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″. For example, the controller cansend a signal that causes the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″,130 b′, 130 b″ to stop illuminating. In certain implementations, block2618 includes reducing the extent or range of the sensing region. Insome embodiments, block 2618 includes reducing or ceasing operation ofthe transmitter 36 a, 36 b, 136.

In some embodiments, the process 2600 moves to block 2620 where adetermination is made as to whether a first voice command is detected.For example, the first voice command can be a keyword or wake word thatis associated with the turning on of the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″. The controller can perform speechrecognition on an utterance made by a user to determine whether theutterance corresponds to the first voice command. Alternatively, theuser device and/or the remote system can perform speech recognition onthe utterance. If the first voice command is detected, the process 2600moves to block 2622 to turn on the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ as verbally instructed by the user. However if thefirst voice command is not detected, the process 2600 reverts to block2604. Thus, voice recognition can be used to turn on the light source 30a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″ even when no object is detectedwithin the sensing region.

In the block 2622, it can be determined whether or not the mirrorassembly 2, 102 is being used in a bright environment, such as ambientsunlight, before the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′,130 b″ is turned on in a manner as described above. If it is determined,in the block 2622, that the mirror assembly 2, 102 is in a brightenvironment, the process 2600 can return to block 2604 and repeatwithout turning on the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′,130 b″. On the other hand, if it is determined in block 2622 that themirror assembly 2, 102 is not in a bright environment, the process 2600can move to block 2604 after turning on the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″.

While the process 2600 is described herein with respect to a keywordassociated with the turning on of the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130 a′,130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″, this is not meant to be limiting. Any keyword orsound associated with any action or state can be used in conjunctionwith the object detection capabilities of the sensor assembly 28, 128 ina similar manner to turn on and/or off the light source 30 a, 30 b, 130a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″.

In further embodiments, the mirror assembly 2, 102 includes a speaker.For example, the speaker can be included adjacent to the sensor assembly28, 128, at another position within or coupled to the light pipe 10,within or coupled to the mirror 4, within or coupled to the housingportion 8 (e.g., the support portion 20, the shaft portion 12, the baseportion 14, the pivot portion 16, etc.), adjacent to port 24, 124,and/or at any other portion of the mirror assembly 2, 102. As anexample, the speaker can be disposed on a generally outer portion of themirror assembly 2, 102 (e.g., the light pipe 10, the support portion 20,the shaft portion 12, the base portion 14, the pivot portion 16, etc.).In some embodiments, at least a portion of the speaker is exposed to themirror exterior. In other embodiments, the speaker is not exposed to themirror exterior and a hard or soft grill can be coupled with the speakerto protect the speaker while still allowing sound to pass from thespeaker to the mirror exterior. The speaker may output sound based onelectrical audio signals produced by the controller, audio processor,and/or another like component.

By including a speaker and/or an audio sensor, the mirror assembly 2,102 can additionally function as a digital assistant. For example, auser can provide verbal commands, questions, statements, etc. to themirror assembly 2, 102 via the audio sensor. The controller and/or audioprocessor can process these user utterances to determine spoken word(s).The controller, audio processor, and/or another like component can thenprocess the spoken word(s) to identify an action to perform, informationto obtain, information to display, and/or the like. In response toidentifying the action to perform, the information to obtain, theinformation to display, etc., the controller, audio processor, and/orlike component can perform the action, obtain the information, displaythe information, etc. The controller, audio processor, and/or likecomponent can also optionally generate a response, producing audiosignals that are output by the speaker and that correspond to thegenerated response. As an illustrative example, the user can utter aphrase asking what the weather will be the next day. The controllerand/or the audio processor can perform speech recognition on theutterance to identify the words corresponding to the user's question.The controller, audio processor, and/or like component can then processthe identified words to determine the content of the question and anappropriate response. Based on determining the content of the question,the mirror assembly 2, 102 can request information from a remote systemvia a wired or wireless communication (e.g., using the networkinterface). In this case, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can request weatherdata from a network-enabled weather service. The mirror assembly 2, 102can then display the weather data in the mirror 4 or a screen adjacentto the mirror 4 and/or produce audio signals that correspond to theweather data and that are output by the speaker (e.g., audio signalsthat, when output by the speaker, form sound waves recognized by a humanas words identifying the weather the next day). Alternatively, themirror assembly 2, 102 may not process the identified word(s) todetermine the content of the utterance and to generate a response.Rather, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can transmit the identified word(s)to a user device, a remote system, etc. The user device, remote system,etc. can perform the processing to determine a response, and transmit anindication of the response to the mirror assembly 2, 102 (where receiptof the response causes the mirror assembly 2, 102 to carry out theresponse). In general, the mirror assembly 2, 102, a user device, aremote system, and/or any combination thereof can perform any of theoperations associated with a digital assistant and described herein.

As another illustrative example, the user can utter a phrase askingabout information associated with the user's commute, such as current orfuture traffic conditions. The controller and/or the audio processor canperform speech recognition on the utterance to identify the wordscorresponding to the user's question. The controller, audio processor,and/or like component can then process the identified words to determinethe content of the question and an appropriate response. Based ondetermining the content of the question, the mirror assembly 2, 102 canrequest information from a remote system via a wired or wirelesscommunication (e.g., using the network interface). In this case, themirror assembly 2, 102 can request traffic data from a network-enabledtraffic service. The mirror assembly 2, 102 can then display the trafficdata in the mirror 4 or a screen adjacent to the mirror 4 and/or produceaudio signals that correspond to the traffic data and that are output bythe speaker (e.g., audio signals that, when output by the speaker, formsound waves recognized by a human as words identifying current or futuretraffic conditions). Alternatively, the mirror assembly 2, 102 may notprocess the identified word(s) to determine the content of the utteranceand to generate a response. Rather, the mirror assembly 2, 102 cantransmit the identified word(s) to a user device, a remote system, etc.The user device, remote system, etc. can perform the processing todetermine a response, and transmit an indication of the response to themirror assembly 2, 102 (where receipt of the response causes the mirrorassembly 2, 102 to carry out the response). In general, the mirrorassembly 2, 102, a user device, a remote system, and/or any combinationthereof can perform any of the operations associated with a digitalassistant and described herein.

As another illustrative example, the user can utter a phrase asking tocall a certain individual, answer a telephone call from a certainindividual, send a text message, email, or other electroniccommunication to a certain individual, and/or read a text message,email, or other electronic communication received from a certainindividual. For example, the call may be received or initiated and theelectronic message may be received or initiated on a user device. Thecontroller and/or the audio processor can perform speech recognition onthe utterance to identify the words corresponding to the user's request.The controller, audio processor, and/or like component can then processthe identified words to determine the content of the request and anappropriate response. Based on determining the content of the request,the mirror assembly 2, 102 can instruct the user device to perform therequested action via a wired or wireless communication (e.g., using thenetwork interface). The user device can then perform the requestedaction. Alternatively or in addition, the user device can coordinatewith the mirror assembly 2, 102 such that the requested action isperformed jointly by the user device and the mirror assembly 2, 102 orsolely by the mirror assembly 2, 102. For example, the mirror assembly2, 102 can display to the user an indication that a call is beingreceived on a user device in communication with the mirror assembly 2,102. If the user requests that a received call be answered, the mirrorassembly 2, 102 can instruct the user device to answer the call and theuser can then use the user device to communicate with the person whocalled the user. Alternatively, if the user requests that a receivedcall be answered, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can instruct the userdevice to answer the call, the user device can answer the call, and theuser can then use the mirror assembly 2, 102 to communicate with theperson who called the user. In particular, the user device can transmitaudio data associated with the person's voice to the mirror assembly 2,102, and the speaker of the mirror assembly 2, 102 can output the audiodata so that the user can hear what the person is speaking. An audiosensor of the mirror assembly 2, 102 can capture utterances spoken bythe user, and the controller, audio processor, and/or like component canconvert the utterances into audio data that is then transmitted back tothe user device. The user device can then relay the audio data (or voicedata) over a cellular or Internet protocol (IP) network to the person'sdevice. As another example, if the user requests that a received textmessage be read, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can instruct the user deviceto read the text message and the user device can read the text message(e.g., output audio that reads the content of the text message). Asanother example, if the user requests that a received text message beread, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can request that the user deviceprovide to the mirror assembly 2, 102 the content of the text message(e.g., via the network interface). Once received, the controller, audioprocessor, and/or like component can process the content of the textmessage and produce audio corresponding to the text message content tobe output by the speaker of the mirror assembly 2, 102 such that themirror assembly 2, 102 reads the content of the text message.

By including a speaker, the mirror assembly 2, 102 can additionallyoutput music, such as streamed music. For example, the mirror assembly2, 102 can include a network interface, such as a transceiver, asdescribed above. The transceiver may be able to communicate over avariety of networks, such as a cellular network, a network using theIEEE 802.11 protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi), a network using the Bluetooth®protocol, and/or the like. Thus, the transceiver can communicate with auser device to obtain from the user device audio information (e.g.,music, videos with audio, etc.) being streamed by the user device and/orstored locally on the user device. The mirror assembly 2, 102 optionallyincludes physical buttons, switches, levers, and/or other physicalcontrol elements that allow a user to control how the audio informationis output (e.g., the physical control elements can allow a user tocontrol an audio function, such as allowing the user to play the music,stop the music, pause the music, skip within an audio track, skip to thenext audio track, replay an audio track, skip to a previous audio track,increase the volume of the audio output by the speaker, decrease thevolume of the audio output by the speaker, mute the audio output by thespeaker, etc.). Alternatively or in addition, a user can control how theaudio information is output (e.g., the user can control audio functions)using voice commands in a manner as described herein (e.g., the user cancontrol how the audio information is output using the digital assistantfunctionality described herein). For example, the user can provideverbal commands, questions, statements, etc. to the mirror assembly 2,102 via the audio sensor. The controller and/or audio processor canprocess these user utterances to determine spoken word(s). Thecontroller, audio processor, and/or another like component can thenprocess the spoken word(s) to identify an action to perform, such asplaying music, stopping music, pausing music, skipping within an audiotrack, skipping to the next audio track, replaying an audio track,skipping to a previous audio track, increasing the volume of the audiooutput by the speaker, decreasing the volume of the audio output by thespeaker, muting the audio output by the speaker, etc. The mirrorassembly 2, 102 can then perform the corresponding action.

The mirror assembly 2 can include a mechanism to actively or passivelydissipate, transfer, or radiate heat energy away from the light sources,such as a fan, vent, and/or one or more passive heat dissipating orradiating structures 34, 134. As shown in FIG. 7 , the support portion20 can include a receiving portion near an upper region of the mirrorassembly 2 for receiving a heat dissipating structures 34 a, 34 b. Theheat dissipating structures 34 a, 34 b can formed of materials with ahigh rate of heat conduction, such as aluminum or steel, to help removeheat from the mirror assembly that is generated by the light sources.Many other heat dissipating materials, such as copper or brass, can beused. Similar heat dissipating structures may be present in theembodiment shown in FIG. 8 (for instance, in the support portion 120).

The heat dissipating structures can dissipate heat created by the lightsources and/or conduct electricity to the light sources, reducing thetotal number of necessary components. In some embodiments, the heatdissipating structure 34 a, 34 b can include one or more components thatare generally comparatively long in one dimension, generallycomparatively wide in another dimension, and generally comparativelynarrow in another dimension, to provide a large surface area over a thinsurface to conduct heat efficiently through the heat dissipatingstructure and then readily transfer such heat into the surrounding airand away from heat-sensitive electronic components in the mirrorassembly. For example, the length of the heat dissipating structure 34a, 34 b can be substantially greater than the width of the heatdissipating structure, and the width of the heat dissipating structurecan be substantially greater than the thickness.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the heat dissipating structures 34 a, 34 b can beseparate components. The heat dissipating structures 34 a, 34 b can bepositioned such that the first ends of each of the structures 34 a′, 34b′ are closer together than the second ends of the fins 34 a″, 34 b″(e.g., generally V-shaped). The structures 34 a, 34 b can be directly orindirectly connected to the light sources. For example, each of thestructures 34 a, 34 b can receive a light source.

FIG. 7 shows a rear side of the mirror assembly without a rear coverportion 18. The second end of each of the heat dissipating structures 34a″, 34 b″ can be positioned between the first end 40 a and the secondend 40 b of the light pipe and on either side of the sensor assembly 28.The heat dissipating structures 34 a, 34 b can be positioned behind orwithin the support structure 20, 120. For example, the heat dissipatingstructures 34 a, 34 can be positioned between a circuit board and therear cover portion (not shown). The support portion 20, 120 can alsoinclude one or more clasps or other structures for engaging, forexample, a circuit board.

As described elsewhere herein, the support portion 20, 120 can supportthe mirror 4, 104, 104′, 104″ and a light conveying structure, such as alight pipe 10, 110, positioned around at least a portion of a peripheryof the mirror 4, 104, 104′, 104″. In some embodiments, the light pipe10, 110 is positioned only along an upper portion of mirror 4, 104,104′, 104″ or a side portion of the mirror 4, 104, 104′, 104″. In otherembodiments, the light pipe 10, 110 extends around at least majority ofthe periphery of the mirror 4, 104, 104′, 104″, substantially the entireperiphery of the mirror 4, 104, 104′, 104″, or around the entireperiphery of the mirror 4, 104, 104′, 104″. In some embodiments, thesupport portion 20, 120 can include a structure, such as a ridge 121,which can support the light pipe 10, 110 (e.g., a portion of the lightpipe 110 can be disposed along the ridge 121).

Some or all of the light from the light sources can be transmittedgenerally toward, or into, the light pipe 10, 110 (e.g., along thecircumferential length of the light pipe). For example, as shown in FIG.11 , the light pipe 110 can include ends 140 a, 140 b, and the lightsources can emit light into one or both of the ends 140 a, 140 b of thelight pipe 110. The light sources can be positioned such that the lightis emitted generally toward a user facing the viewing surface of themirror assembly 102. For example, some or all of the light from thelight sources and/or the light pipe 110 can be emitted toward, andreflected off of, another component before contacting the user.

When installed on the support member 20, 120, the light pipe 10, 110 hasa radial width and an axial depth. Some variants have a radial widththat is greater than or equal to than the axial depth. In certainimplementations, the light pipe 10, 110 is configured to provideadequate area for the reflecting surface of the mirror 4, 104, 104′,104″ and to provide sufficient area for light to be emitted from thelight pipe 10, 110, as will be discussed in more detail below. Forexample, the ratio of the radial width of the light pipe 10, 110 to theradius of the mirror 4, 104, 104′, 104″ can be less than or equal toabout: ⅕, 1/15, 1/30, 1/50, values in between, or otherwise.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the light pipe 110 can be substantially circularlyshaped. The light pipe 110 can include a gap 144, and the sensorassembly 128 and/or the light sources can be positioned in the gap 144.In some embodiments, the light pipe can be substantially linearlyshaped, or the light pipe has a non-linear and non-circular shape. Thelight pipe 10, 110 can include acrylic, polycarbonate, or any otherclear or highly transmissive material. The light pipe 10, 110 can be atleast slightly opaque.

The light can pass along and through a portion of the light pipe 10, 110and/or emit from the light pipe 10, 110 via an outer face 42, 142 of thelight pipe 10, 110. In some embodiments, the light pipe is configured totransmit at least about 95% of the light emitted from the light sources.The light sources can be configured, in combination with light pipe, toemit light generally around the periphery of the mirror 4, 104, 104′,104″. The light pipe 10, 110 can be configured to disperse light fromthe light sources through the light pipe 10, 110. The light sources andthe light pipe 10 110 can be configured such that the amount of lightemitted from the outer face 42, 142 is substantially constant along thelength of the light pipe 10, 110. Many different ways of achieving asubstantially constant intensity of conveyed light around the light pipe10, 110 can be used.

The support portion 20, 120 and/or the light pipe 10, 110 can includefeatures to facilitate generally even or uniform diffusion, scattering,and/or reflection of the light emitted by the light sources around theperiphery of the mirror. For example, the support portion 20, 120 and/orlight pipe 10, 110 can include an irregular anterior and/or posteriorsurface that is molded in a non-flat and/or non-planar way, etched,roughened, painted, and/or otherwise surface modified. The lightscattering elements can be configured to disperse a substantiallyconstant amount of light along the periphery of the mirror 4, 104, 104′,104″. These features can help achieve high energy-efficiency, reducingthe total number of light sources necessary to light substantially theentire periphery of the mirror and reducing the running temperature ofthe mirror assembly 2, 102.

The light pipe 10, 110 can comprise a generally translucent materialwith varying degrees of scattering. In some embodiments, a lower and/orminimum amount of scattering occurs in a region near the light source(s)and a higher and/or maximum scattering occurs in a region of the lightpipe 10, 110 that is located furthest from the light source(s). Thelight pipe 10, 110 can comprise a region configured to scatter light ina varying manner. In some embodiments, the light conveying pathway orlight pipe 10, 110 can comprise a varying, non-constant, non-smoothanterior, posterior, and/or interior surface formed from any suitableprocess, such as molding, etching (e.g., chemical, etc.), roughening(e.g., sand-blasting, abrading, etc.), painting, coating, and/or othermethods. In some embodiments, one or more surface irregularities can bevery small bumps, protrusions, and/or indentations.

In some embodiments, light passing through the light pipe 10, 110 can bescattered at a plurality of different intensity levels, depending on thelocation of the light within the light pipe 10, 110. For example, lightat a first location on the light pipe 10, 110 can be scattered at afirst intensity level, light at a second location on the light pipe 10,110 can be scattered at a second intensity level, and light at a thirdlocation on the light pipe 10, 110 can be scattered at a third intensitylevel, with the third intensity level being more than the secondintensity level, and the second intensity level being more than thefirst intensity level, etc. Many other levels of scattering and manyways of spatially increasing or decreasing scattering can be usedinstead of or in addition to providing macro scattering elements, suchas spatially varying a level of die or a frosting effect within thematerial of the light pipe 10, 110, or by spatially varying scatteringparticles embedded within the material, or by spatially varying asurface pattern on one or more outside surfaces of the material. In someembodiments, a smooth gradient of scattering elements can be used toachieve the desired lighting effect (e.g., constant light intensityemission or gradient light intensity emission).

The light pipe 10, 110 can include a surface pattern, such as lightscattering elements 74 (e.g., a dot pattern) as shown in FIGS. 8A-8C.The light scattering elements 74 can be configured to encourage aportion of the light passing through the light pipe 10, 110 to exit theouter face 42, 142 of the light pipe 10, 110, thereby generallyilluminating the user in a generally even or generally uniform manner.The light scattering elements can be configured such that the lightintensity emitted from the outer face 42, 142 of the light pipe 10, 110is substantially constant along a substantial portion of, or virtuallythe entirety of, the length of the light pipe 10, 110. Accordingly, theuser can receive generally constant light volume or intensity around theperiphery of the mirror 4, 104. For example, the light scatteringelements can include one or more of varied density, irregular patterns,or varied sizes.

In some embodiments, the light path is concealed by a mirrored surfaceand only visible when the light sources 130 a′, 130 a″, 130 b′, 130 b″are activated. For instance, in some embodiments, the support portion20, 120 has at least some portion that is partially transparent at oralong the general direction of the light strip. In some embodiments, thelight sources can be hidden behind a portion of mirrored surface so thatthey are out of sight. For instance, partially transparent mirroredsurfaces (e.g., two-way mirrored glass) can form the side portions ofthe central mirrored surface. When viewed from the front of the mirror,these partially transparent surfaces are reflective and appear as anormal part of the mirrored surface. As a light emitter or a lightsource is activated, light can then transmit through the two-way mirrorand illuminate the user. In some embodiments, only when illuminated arethe light sources visible from the on the mirror system. In somevariants, the light strip is not concealed by the viewing surface. Forinstance, in certain implementations, even when inactive, the lightsource(s) are visible when a user is positioned in front of the mirror.

In some embodiments, the light sources are positioned within the mirrorhead and behind a portion of the mirror (e.g., creating a backlightingeffect of the mirror). In some embodiments, the light sources arepositioned (e.g., by tilting) such that light emitted from the lightsources contacts the viewing surface of the mirror assembly 2, 102 at anangle, such as an acute angle. In some embodiments, the light sourcesare positioned such that light emitted from the light sources contactsthe viewing surface of the mirror assembly 2, 102 at an obtuse angle.

The light pipe 10, 110 can include a reflective material to achieve highreflectivity. For example, the light pipe 10, 110 can include areflective backing material along the rear side of the light pipe. Insome embodiments, the reflective material can reflect at least about 95%of light. In some embodiments, the reflective material reflects about98% of light. The reflective material can be optically reflective paper.

As shown in FIG. 11 , the mirror assembly 102 can also include adiffuser 156. The diffuser 156 can be positioned on the surface of thelight pipe 110 and/or around the periphery of the mirror 104. Forexample, the diffuser 156 can be positioned between the light pipe 110and the user to provide a diffuse, scattered light source, not afocused, sharp light source, which would be less comfortable on theuser's eyes. In some embodiments, the transmissivity of the diffuser issubstantially constant around its perimeter or circumference. In someembodiments, the diffuser 156 can surround a majority of the peripheryof the mirror 104, substantially the entire periphery of the mirror, orthe entire periphery of the mirror. As shown in FIG. 11 , the diffuser156 can surround generally the same portion of the periphery of themirror 104 as the light pipe 110. The diffuser 156 can also include anopening 160 for the sensor assembly 128 and/or a receiving portion 157for receiving the mirror 104. The diffuser 156 can include an at leastpartially opaque material. For example, the diffuser 156 can includeoptical grade acrylic.

The diffuser 156 can include an irregular anterior and/or posteriorsurface formed from etching, roughening, painting, and/or other methodsof surface modification. For example, the diffuser 156 can include apattern of light scattering elements (not shown) created using any ofthe methods discussed herein. The light scattering elements can bemodified to include any of the shapes and/or sizes discussed inconnection with the light pipe 110.

The light scattering elements can be configured to create soft light byfurther scattering the light. For example, the light scattering elementscan include a plurality of dots having the same diameter or differentdiameters. In some embodiments, the light scattering elements can beevenly dispersed across the diffuser 156.

In other embodiments, the light scattering elements can be randomlydispersed across the diffuser. In certain implementations, where thelight sources are provided in the mirror head 103, the mirrors cancomprise a semi-opaque, non-smooth (at a micro or macro level), and/ornon-uniform surface that can be formed in any suitable manner, such asby molding, scraping, thermal treatment, particle bombardment (e.g.,“sand blasting”), and/or chemical treatment, such as etching, to providelight diffusion or scattering. In some variants, these light scatteringelements and/or diffusing portions of the mirrored surface can bepositioned over or adjacent to or otherwise in light communication withthe light sources. In certain implementations, these light scatteringelements and/or diffusing surfaces adjust the light properties from thelight sources as discussed elsewhere herein. In some embodiments, thesesurfaces can be used in addition to, or instead of the transmissivelight covers. In some embodiments, these diffusing or otherwise lightscattering portions can be integrally formed with a mirrored surface,such as by changing or treating a portion of the mirrored surface toproduce a light scattering region.

To adjust the height of the mirror assembly 2, 102, the shaft portion12, 112 can be configured to translate generally perpendicular to theground when the mirror assembly 2, 102 is positioned on the base 14,114. In some embodiments, the height of the shaft portion 12, 112 can beadjusted within a range of at least about three inches and/or within arange less than four inches. In some embodiments, the height of theshaft portion 12, 112 can be adjusted within about a four inch range. Insome embodiments, the height of the shaft portion 12, 112 can beadjusted within about a three inch range. In some embodiments, theheight is adjustable via the shaft portion 12, 112, such as by using atelescoping joint.

As shown in FIG. 12 , The shaft portion 112 can include a first shaftportion 112 a and a second shaft portion 112 b. The shaft portions 112a, 112 b can be configured to adjustably engage each other, therebyallowing the user to select and maintain the mirror assembly 102 at adesired height. For example, the first shaft portion 112 a can includeone or more biased adjustment structures, such as spring-loadedretractable pegs (not shown), and the second shaft portion 112 b caninclude one or more corresponding adjustment structures, such as notches(not shown). The pegs of the first shaft portion 112 a can engage (e.g.,snap into) with the notches of the second shaft portion 112 b to controlprovide articulating adjustment of the height of the mirror assembly102.

In some embodiments, the first shaft portion 112 a and the second shaftportion 112 b can form an interference fit. This applied pressure allowsthe first shaft portion 112 a and the second shaft portion 112 b to bestationary relative to each other (e.g. hold the support portion 120 indesired height) without external force being applied. However, theapplied pressure between the shaft portions 112 a and 112 b can becontrolled so that when the user wants to adjust the height of thesupport portion 120, the pressure can be overcome and shaft portions 112a and 112 b can move relative to each other. For example, the amount offorce required to downwardly or upwardly adjust the height or effectivelength of the shaft portion 112 can be greater than the downward forceof gravity induced by the mass of the mirror assembly and upper shaftportion but generally less than or equal to a natural human adjustmentforce for an appliance, such as less than or equal to about 3 or about 4pounds. The sliding or adjustment of the height or effective length ofthe shaft components can be configured to stop virtually immediatelywhen the user's adjustment force stops, without requiring furtheradjustments or securing structure to stop the sliding or to secure thecomponents of the shaft portion against further unintended movement orchange in height or length. The applied pressure can also simulate adampening effect during movement of the shaft portions 112 a and 112 b.

The shaft portion 112 can also include a constraining member, such asring member, that dampens or prevents the first shaft portion 112 a frommoving relative to the second shaft portion 112 b. For example, certainvariants of the ring member threadably engage with the second shaftportion 112 b, thereby radially compressing the second shaft portion 112b against the first shaft portion 112 a, which in turn inhibits thefirst shaft portion 112 a from translating relative to the second shaftportion 112 b. In certain implementations, loosening the ring memberallows the user to adjust the height of the shaft portion 112, whiletightening the ring member secures the first shaft portion 112 a to thesecond shaft portion 112 b.

In some embodiments, the shaft portion 112 includes a connector, such asa set-screw (not shown), which can be positioned generally perpendicularto the first shaft portion 112 a. The second shaft portion 112 b caninclude an opening (not shown) through which the screw member canextend. In certain implementations, when the set-screw is loosened, thefirst shaft portion 112 a can be adjusted relative to the second shaftportion 112 b. Tightening the screw member until it contacts the firstshaft portion 112 a can inhibit or prevent the first shaft portion 112 afrom moving relative to the second shaft portion 112 b.

As shown in FIG. 12 , the shaft portion 112 can include one or morebiasing members 154, such as springs (e.g., spiral coil springs, wavesprings, conical springs, or otherwise). In certain variants, the one ormore biasing members 154 are configured to facilitate adjustment of theheight of the shaft portion 112. For example, the one or more biasingmembers 154 can reduce the amount of vertical force a user must exert toraise the height of the mirror head 103 relative to the base 114. Thebiasing members can be positioned in a lumen of the shaft portion 112.

The shaft portion 112 can include plastic, stainless steel, aluminum, orother suitable materials. The first shaft portion 112 a can also includecompressible materials, such as rubber, nylon, and plastics, on at leasta portion of its outer surface that press against the inner surface ofthe second shaft portion 112 b when the first shaft portion 112 a isinserted into the second shaft portion 112 b.

A portion of the support portion 20, 120 can be cantilevered outwardfrom the longitudinal axis of the shaft portion 12, 112. Such aconfiguration can impart a moment of force on the mirror assembly 2,102, which, if uncompensated for, could lead to tipping. The baseportion 14, 114 can also be configured to counteract such a moment. Forexample, the base portion 14, 114 can include a weight that issufficient to reduce substantially the likelihood of tipping of themirror assembly 2, 102.

The base 14, 114 and/or other portions of the mirror assembly 2, 102 canbe generally balanced in mass distribution such that the center of massof the mirror assembly 2, 102 is generally positioned near the shaft 12,112 and/or near the base 14, 114. The base portion 14, 114 can weigh atleast about 2 lbs., 4 lbs., 6 lbs., 8 lbs., 10 lbs., values in between,or otherwise. The base portion 14, 114 can also include one or moresupporting feet or be configured to be semi-permanently mountable (e.g.,to be mounted to a countertop with one or more fasteners).

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the base portion 14, 114 can have agenerally curved outer surface. For example, a horizontal cross-sectionof the base at a plurality of points along its height can be generallycircular or generally elliptical. In the illustrated embodiment, thebase portion 14, 114 is generally conical, such as generallyfrusto-conical. The outer surface of the base can be generally smooth,generally tapered and/or generally sloping, as illustrated, and/orpresent a virtually entirely continuous surface generally circumscribingthe periphery of the base 14, 114. The horizontal cross-sectional areaor diameter of the top of the base 14, 114 generally can be about thesame as the horizontal cross-sectional are or diameter of the bottom ofthe shaft portion 12, 112. The horizontal cross-sectional area of thebase 14, 114 can generally continuously increase from the top region ofthe base 14, 114 to the bottom region of the base 14, 114. For example,a horizontal cross-sectional area or diameter at the bottom region ofthe base 14, 114 can be substantially larger than a horizontalcross-sectional area or diameter at the top region of the base 14, 114(e.g., at least about two or at least about three times larger), whichis an example of a base 14, 114 that can help resist tipping of themirror. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the distance along theshaft portion 12, 112 from the bottom of the mirror portion to the topof the base portion can be generally about the same as the height of thebase portion 14, 114. As shown, in FIG. 13 , the base 114 can include anexit aperture 171′ configured to receive a wire in electroniccommunication with a cord or wire that can be inserted through a baseaperture 171. In some embodiments, the base aperture 171 (e.g., tunnel,hole, etc.) is configured to receive the cord. In some embodiments, thebase aperture 171 allows the base 114 to reside flushly and/or evenly ona surface without tilting the mirror assembly 102 even while a cordand/or wire is inserted into, for example, the port 124.

As discussed in further detail below, the base portion 114 can include abattery (e.g., a rechargeable battery). The weight and positioning ofthe battery can also reduce the chances of tipping of the mirrorassembly 102 (e.g., increase stability). In some embodiments, thebattery can deliver power to the light sources for at least about tenminutes per day for about thirty days. The battery 126 can be rechargedvia a port 124 (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) port or otherwise),as shown in FIGS. 22-23 . The port 124 can be configured to permanentlyor removably receive a connector coupled with a wire or cable (notshown). The port 124 can also be configured to allow electricalpotential to pass between the batteries 126 with a power source via theconnector. The port 124 may be used to program or calibrate differentoperations of the mirror illumination or object sensing when connect toa computer. Other charging methods can be used, such as via conventionalelectric adapter to be plugged in to an electric outlet. In someembodiments, a power button 176 is located on the mirror assembly 102 toactivate the power to the mirror assembly 102.

The mirror assembly 2, 102 can be powered using an electrical conduit(e.g., a cord) and/or it can be powered using an internal power source(e.g., in embodiments where the mirror assembly is cordless orwireless). The head portion (or some other portion of the mirrorassembly) can include a power source (e.g., a battery, a rechargeablebattery, or a cord to be plugged into an electrical outlet). In someembodiments, a cord is plugged directly into an external energy sourceand into the mirror assembly to charge an internal power source of themirror assembly (e.g., rechargeable batteries). In certainimplementations, the external energy source is a standard wall outlet, acomputer, or a portable battery. In certain variants, the electricalconduit engages with the external energy source or the mirror assemblyvia a multi-prong electrical plug, a USB port, a cell phone adaptor, orsome other port configured to receive charge and to deliver it to adevice (e.g., via the port 124). In some embodiments, the cord and/orthe external energy source have guiding features (e.g., magnets) thatguide the cord and external energy source into engagement. In someembodiments, the electrical conduit is removable or retractable (e.g.,it retracts into the mirror assembly, out of sight). In someembodiments, the cord and/or the mirror assembly source have guidingfeatures (e.g., magnets) that guide the cord and mirror assembly intoengagement. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly can be recharged byplacing the mirror assembly onto or in contact with a charging pad ormat. In some embodiments, the pad or mat may itself bewireless/cordless.

In some variants, the cordless mirror assembly is powered byrechargeable batteries (e.g., lithium ion, nickel cadmium, nickel, metalhydride, or lithium ion polymer). In some implementations, the batteriesof the mirror assembly can be removed from the mirror assembly andreplaced (or recharged at a charging station).

The battery 126 can be recharged via a port 124 (e.g., a universalserial bus (USB) port or otherwise). The port 124 can be configured toreceive permanently or removably a connector coupled with a wire orcable (not shown). The port 124 can also be configured to allowelectrical potential to pass between the batteries 126 with a powersource via the connector. The port 124 may be used to program orcalibrate different operations of the mirror illumination or objectsensing when connect to a computer. Other charging methods can be used,such as via conventional electric adapter to be plugged in to anelectric outlet.

The mirror assembly 2, 102 can include an indicator device configured toissue a visual, audible, or other type of indication to a user of themirror assembly 2, 102 regarding a characteristic of the mirror assembly2, 102, the user, and/or the relationship between the mirror assembly 2,102 and the user. For example, the indicator can indicate on/off status,battery levels, imminent deactivation, and/or certain mode of operation.The indicator can be used for other purposes as well.

In certain embodiments, the color of the indicator light can varydepending on the indication. For example, the indicator can emit a greenlight when the mirror assembly is turned on and/or a red light when thebattery is running low. The indicator can comprise a light bar thatindicates the total battery life (decreasing length with decreasingbattery life). In some embodiments, the indicator can ring-shaped andpositioned around a portion of the shaft portion 58, 158. The indicatorcan take on any other shape and be positioned around the mirror head 103or support portion 120 (e.g., behind a portion of a 2-way mirroredarea), along the base portion 114, or on any other location on themirror assembly 102. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 , the indicator 58, 158can ring-shaped and positioned around an upper portion of the baseportion 14, 114. The indicator 58, 158 can take on any other shape andbe positioned around the support portion 20, 120, along the base portion14, 114, or on any other location on the mirror assembly 2, 102.

The color of the indicator light can vary depending on the indication.For example, the indicator can emit a green light when the mirrorassembly is turned on and/or a red light when the battery is runninglow.

In certain variants, an actuator, such as a button (e.g., the handle) ora sensor (e.g., a capacitive touch sensor 179, as shown in FIGS. 9-10 )is located on the mirror assembly 2, 102, such as in a location behind aportion of a mirrored surface and/or on a side of a mirror surface (suchas along an arc of the side of a mirror surface, as illustrated in FIGS.9-10 ) and can be activated by touching and/or gesturing near themirrored surface in designated locations. In some embodiments, thecapacitive touch sensor 179 sends one or more signals to a controllermodule and allows the user to control one or more aspects of the lightemitted from the light columns through directional finger movements orby touching specific areas of the capacitive touch sensor. For instance,in some embodiments, a user can swipe (or drag) a finger in onedirection (i.e., left, right, down, up, or otherwise) over thecapacitive touch sensor 179 to increase the color temperature. The usercan then swipe a finger in an opposite direction to decrease the colortemperature. In some variants, the user can drag a finger in a differentdirection over the capacitive touch sensor 179 to increase thebrightness of the light emitted from the light columns and in anopposite direction to dim the light. In some embodiments, the color ofthe light emitted can be adjusted. In some embodiments, the user can tapa portion of the capacitive touch sensor to apply a light setting. Insome embodiments, a capacitive touch sensor is not present.

In some embodiments, the capacitive touch sensor is operably connected(via a wire or a conduit) to the controller and/or one or a plurality ofprinted circuit boards (PCBs), which can provide hard wired feedbackcontrol circuits, a processor and memory devices for storing andperforming control routines, or any other type of controller.

The mirror assembly 102 can include a processor, which can control, byone or more schemes and algorithms, input and output characteristics andfunctions of the mirror assembly 102. In some embodiments, the processoris responsive to one or more signals received by the sensor assembly 128and/or a capacitive touch sensor 179 (shown in FIGS. 9-10 , forexample). In certain embodiments, the processor enables the sensorassembly 80 or the capacitive touch sensor 179 to actuate or control anyone or more of the mirror assembly 2 algorithms (e.g., algorithmsregarding the sensor regions, brightness of the light sources, warmth ofthe light sources, color of the light, CRI, a light environment toselect, etc.). The mirror assembly 2 can also include memory, such asfirmware, to store the various user settings, control schemes, andalgorithms, as well certain instructions and/or settings related tovarious characteristics of the mirror assembly 2. For example, thememory can include instructions and/or settings regarding the size ofthe sensing regions, the sensitivity of the sensors, the level of outputlight, the length of various timers, and otherwise.

The mirror assembly 102 can be configured such that a user can modify(e.g., update, program, or otherwise) the memory, such as by connectingthe mirror assembly 102 to a computer (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, etc.)that is equipped with software or an “app” that is configured to enablethe computer and/or the mirror assembly to perform any of the functions,tasks, and/or steps described and/or illustrated herein. For example,the mirror 102 can be communicatively connected with a computer via theport 124 (e.g., using a USB, cable). Data can be transferred between thecomputer and the mirror assembly 102 via the port 124. The mirrorassembly 102 can alternatively be configured to communicate with acomputer wirelessly, such as by a cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth®network, infrared, or otherwise.

When the mirror assembly 102 is in communication with the computer, acontrol panel may be displayed on the computer. The control panel mayallow the user adjust various input and output characteristics for themirror assembly 102. For example, a user can use the control panel toadjust the output of the emitting portions and/or the sensitivity of thetransmitter 136. In some embodiments, a database containing lightinformation for particular environments can be assembled (e.g., by auser or a third party) and stored in the memory on the mirror assembly102 and/or on the computer. This database can contain, for example,particular light parameters (e.g., color temperature, light intensity,color hue, etc.) for individual environments (e.g., restaurants, outdoorvenues at different times of day or season or with different weatherconditions, sporting arenas, opera houses, dance venues, clubs,auditoriums, office, bar, etc.). In certain embodiments, individualoutside light environments can include, for example, sunny, overcast,cloudy, rainy, dawn, dusk, twilight, etc. In some embodiments, a usercan access this database in setting the light parameters of the mirrorassembly 102 in order to perform light-matched personal grooming andmake-up application (e.g., in preparation for attending adatabase-listed or similar venue). For instance, in certain variants,the user can download a venue's light parameters into a device (e.g., ahandheld device, a tablet, a computer, a thumb drive, a smartphone) andtransfer that information to the mirror assembly 102 (e.g., byconnecting the device to the mirror assembly using a conduit and theport or wirelessly using Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi). Once downloaded (e.g., toa processor or to a memory storage unit), the mirror assembly canautomatically set the light parameters to match the suggested settingsin the database. In some embodiments, any of these light settings can bepreset and/or included on a memory of the mirror assembly (e.g., withoutneed for download from a database). In some embodiments, the user canmanually select any of these preset settings (e.g., using a touchscreen, capacitive touch sensor, buttons, a wireless device, etc.) orthe user can manually create and save one or more different settingsfrom the user's own personal adjustments. Personal (e.g., manual)adjustments can be performed by manipulating one or more of the tint,color, color temperature, brightness, and light intensity of the lightemitted from the light assembly (e.g., using a touch screen, capacitivetouch sensor, buttons, a wireless device, etc.).

In some embodiments, the mirror assembly 102 can be configured to accessenvironmental information (date, time, season, weather, etc.) from aninformation source (e.g., the internet, a home system, etc.). In someembodiments, this information can be transferred to the mirror assemblywirelessly or through a wired connection. In some embodiments, themirror assembly 102 can include a software or hardware module with analgorithm that selects particular light parameters automatically basedon the environmental information to best match those conditions. In someembodiments, the mirror assembly comprises learning devices and/or canbe integrated to communicate with such devices (e.g., NEST® devices). Insome embodiments, this feature allows the mirror assembly to functionand/or program or adjust itself based on user activity (e.g., whetherthe user is home, in bed, in the bathroom, etc.) and/or based oninformation gathered by an integrated device (e.g., a NEST® device). Insome embodiments, after information is received, the mirror assembly canautomatically select lighting settings based on, for example, outsideweather (e.g., outside lighting conditions), ambient lighting, thepresence of someone in the home (e.g., for power conservation, etc.),time of the day (e.g., to act as an alarm by flashing light, a nightlight, etc.), or otherwise. In some embodiments, any of the abovefeatures can be turned-off or overridden based on input from the user.

In some embodiments, the mirror assembly can act as an alarm or areminder or a conveyor of one or more types of information to the user.For example, in some embodiments, the mirror assembly can indicate it istime for an event or that a particular amount of time has elapsed or aparticular time of day has arrived. In certain implementations, themirror assembly alarm feature operates by providing a cue to the userwhen a time is reached (e.g., time to wake-up, time to shower, time toapply make-up, time to leave for school, work, or some other event). Insome embodiments, the alarm can be set manually by the user and/or canbe set automatically. For instance, the user can set the alarm featureto activate (or deactivate) at a specific recurring time on weekdays andanother different time on weekends. When set to automatically activateand deactivate, the mirror assembly can set alarms based on specificinformation regarding the user, such as specific entries in, forinstance, the user's personal electronic calendar. In certainimplementations, the automatic alarm setting can be based on pastbehaviors of the user, or on information gathered from public sources(e.g., the internet).

In some embodiments, the mirror assembly can automatically adjust thetiming of an alarm when, for example, the timing of an event has beendelayed, or traffic conditions to an event have changed. The mirrorassembly can also display suggest alarm changes prior to making them andcan display the reasoning for a suggested change (on a LCD screen or thelike). Similarly, in some embodiments, the mirror assembly can adjust orsuggest different light settings based on changed weather or other lightcharacteristics.

In some embodiments, the alarm cue provided to the user is visual.Visual cues could include flashing of the light sources, dimming of thelight sources, powering-down of the mirror assembly (and light sources),brightening of the light sources, color changes of the light source(intermittently flashing an alarm color to the user), etc. In somevariants, other or additional features of the mirror assembly providevisual cues. For instance, in some embodiments, an LED (light bulb,colored panel, etc.) is provided on the periphery of one or more of themirror surfaces or the mirror frame. In some embodiments, the alarm LEDilluminates, blinks, or provides other visual cues to the user. Incertain embodiments, the alarm can be hidden behind the a portion of amirrored surface that functions as a two-way mirror such that the visualcue and alarm system only become visible through the mirrored surfacewhen lit. In some embodiments, the mirror assembly comprises a display(as explained elsewhere herein) that includes features that can act asan alarm. For instance, the display can show a timer, a clock, reducingbar scale, a colored indicator (e.g., that changes from green to yellowto red), or the like to indicate it is time for an event (e.g., time togo).

In certain variants, the cue is auditory. Auditory cues include one ormore of a ring, beep, beeping, a buzzer, turning on music or a radiobroadcast, the quieting or silencing of music or a radio broadcast,statements made by a voice (e.g., indicating “good morning,” “time togo,” or “good night”, etc.), etc. In some embodiments, where theauditory cue is a voice, the voice can be recorded (e.g., by the user),prerecorded (e.g., a preset installed during manufacture), acomputerized, or downloaded using an app. In certain implementations,the cue provided to the user is some other sensorially perceivedindicator (e.g., a vibration or other physical cue). In someembodiments, more than one cue (or cue type) can be used in combination.

In some embodiments, a device providing the alarm (visual, auditory,physical, or otherwise) is located on the base, shaft, or head of themirror assembly. In some embodiments, for instance, the cue is providedby a speaker that can be located on the back, front, side, top or bottomof the mirror assembly, the shaft, the base, or otherwise.

In some embodiments, the software or hardware module in the mirrorassembly or computer can be configured to enable a user to setparticular default settings of the mirror assembly 2, 102 using acomputing device (e.g., a computer, smartphone, or the like) to downloadparticular desired settings from the mirror assembly (e.g., a favoredcolor temperature, light intensity, color hue, etc.). In certainvariants, software or hardware module in the mirror assembly or computercan be configured to enable the user can later reset the mirror assemblyto those desired settings by uploading them from the computing device(e.g., wirelessly, wired, or otherwise). In certain embodiments, theuser can set particular mirror assembly settings (e.g., lightingsettings, mirror positions, etc.) and save/store those settings.

In some embodiments, when attending a particular venue, the user can usea sensing device (e.g., on a smart phone, other mobile electroniccommunication device, or another data collecting device) to detectparticular light parameters of the environment. In certainimplementations, the user can then capture light information at thevenue using the sensing device. The user can later use this lightparameter information to calibrate the mirror assembly 2, 102 to matchthat particular environment (or to create a new preset light environmentthat can be stored in a memory of the mirror assembly). In someembodiments, an application (software, etc.) can be loaded onto thesensing device to allow the user to capture light information at aparticular venue. In some variants, for instance, a light environmentcapture application (available at an app store or online) is downloadedto a mobile communication device and when the app is opened, lightinformation can be captured automatically, by actuation of a button onthe device, or by touching engaging a touchscreen. In some embodiments,the user can gather lighting information, such as by taking a picture(e.g., a digital image or photograph) or a “selfie” using the sensingdevice. Then, in certain implementations, the lighting information orpicture or “selfie” can be analyzed by software or an application tocapture light environment information therefrom.

In some embodiments, a calibrating implement can be used to detectparticular light parameters of the environment. For instance, in certainimplementations, a calibrating card can be used. In some variants, thecalibrating card contains various shapes or images with various colors,or shades of colors. In some embodiments, when the sensing device viewsthe calibrating card (e.g., when ambient light that is reflected off thecard is sensed by the sensing device), the light parameters of theenvironment are captured.

Other types of interactions (additionally or alternatively) between themirror system, mobile devices, and a user are possible in addition tothose described above. For example, a user may be able to input datainto or control the mirror system through other devices, such askeyboards, mouses, touch screens, microphones configured to captureaudio signals corresponding to voice commands, or remote controls. Insome embodiments, the mirror system settings can be implemented with oneor more computing devices, such as several interconnected devices. Thus,each of the components depicted in the mirror system can includehardware and/or software for performing various features.

In some embodiments, the mirror system and/or the computing devicecomprises a non-transitory, computer-readable medium storingcomputer-executable instructions for the mirror system or assembly. Incertain embodiments, the computer-readable medium storingcomputer-executable instructions, when executed by one or moreprocessors, cause the one or more processors to perform one or more ofthe following: receive a light environment information from a sensingdevice; compare the light environment received by the sensing device tolight settings on a mirror assembly; indicate a deviation from orproximity to the light environment based at least in part on thecomparison of the light environment and the light settings on the mirrorassembly; adjust the light settings of the mirror assembly to match orapproximate the light environment information.

In certain embodiments, the one or more processors are configured tocause a display to display an indication of one or more aspects of thelight environment and/or the light settings. For example, in someembodiments, the display displays the deviation between the lightenvironment and light settings, information about the light environment(when it was captured—date, time, season, temperature, etc.), a prompt(asking whether the user would like to change one or more of the lightsettings to match the light environment information), etc.

In some embodiments, the non-transitory, computer-readable mediumstoring computer-executable instructions is located in a mobile deviceor is located in a medium configured to be downloaded onto a mobiledevice (such as over the internet). In some embodiments, thenon-transitory, computer-readable medium storing computer-executableinstructions is located on the mirror assembly.

As described elsewhere herein, in some embodiments, the mirror assemblyand its components are actuated by or include one or more computingdevices. For example, in some embodiments, a computing device (either aspart of or remote from the mirror system) that has components includinga central processing unit (CPU), input/output (I/O) components, storage,and/or memory may be used to execute any, some, or all of the processesof the mirror system. The I/O components can include a display (e.g., atouch screen), a network connection to the network, a computer-readablemedia drive and other I/O devices (e.g., a keyboard, a mouse, speakers,a touch screen, etc.). Software and other modules may reside and executeon servers, workstations, personal computers, computerized tablets,PDAs, and other computing devices suitable for the purposes describedherein. Software and other modules may be accessible via local memory,via a network, via a browser, or via other means suitable for thepurposes described herein. Data structures described herein may comprisecomputer files, variables, programming arrays, programming structures,or any electronic information storage schemes or methods, or anycombinations thereof, suitable for the purposes described herein. Userinterface elements described herein may comprise elements from graphicaluser interfaces, interactive voice response, command line interfaces,and other suitable interfaces. In some embodiments, the mirror systemmay be configured differently than described above.

One or more of the settings of the mirror assembly or other informationas described elsewhere herein can be stored as one or more executableprogram modules in the memory of the computing device and/or on othertypes of non-transitory computer-readable storage media, and the mirrorsystem can interact with computing assets over a network or othercommunication link. In some embodiments, the mirror system may haveadditional components or fewer components than described above.

In certain implementations, each of the processes, methods andalgorithms described anywhere in this specification may be embodied in,and fully or partially automated by, code modules executed by one ormore computers, computer processors, or machines configured to executecomputer instructions. The code modules may be stored on any type ofnon-transitory computer-readable storage medium or tangible computerstorage device, such as hard drives, solid state memory, optical discand/or the like. The processes and algorithms may be implementedpartially or wholly in application-specific circuitry. The results ofthe disclosed processes and process steps may be stored, persistently orotherwise, in any type of non-transitory computer storage such as, e.g.,volatile or non-volatile storage.

Depending on the embodiment, certain acts, events, or functions of anyof the processes or algorithms described herein can be performed in adifferent sequence, can be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g.,not all described operations or events are necessary for the practice ofthe algorithm). Moreover, in certain embodiments, operations or eventscan be performed concurrently, e.g., through multi-threaded processing,interrupt processing, or multiple processors or processor cores or onother parallel architectures, rather than sequentially.

The mirror assembly 2, 102 can also include an algorithm 200 configuredto send a command to trigger the light sources to activate based on thedetected signal. For example, the algorithm 200 can resemble the flowchart depicted in FIG. 14 . Beginning at start block 202, the controllerinitializes mirror assembly hardware and variables in operation block204. Moving on to decision block 206, if the signal is detected in afirst sensing region, then the controller activates first level of lightin operation block 208. If a signal is not detected in a first sensingregion, then the algorithm moves on to decision block 210. If a signalis detected in a second region, then the controller activates a secondlevel of light in operation block 212. If a signal is not detected in asecond sensing region, then the algorithm moves on to decision block214. If a signal is detected for a task mode then the controlleractivates a third level of light in operation block 216.

In further embodiments, the mirror assembly 2, 102 includes a display.The device may be an LED display, an organic LED (OLED) display, aliquid-crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, and/or the like. Forexample, the display may be positioned behind the mirror 4 and face thefront of the mirror assembly 2, 102. The mirror 4 may allow lightproduced by the display to pass through the mirror 4 and toward a user.As another example, the display may be positioned adjacent to the mirror4 and/or on any exterior portion of the mirror assembly 2, 102 (e.g.,the light pipe 10, the support portion 20, the shaft portion 12, thebase portion 14, the pivot portion 16, etc.). Like the audio sensorand/or the speaker, the display may not be exposed to the mirrorexterior with a covering like a grill, glass, screen, etc. coupled tothe display to protect the display while still allowing light to passfrom the display to the mirror exterior.

The display can be used to display information or media to a user as theuser is looking at the mirror 4 (e.g., data, words, messages, photos,videos, weather, news, television, animated content, still images,and/or other graphics). For example, in some embodiments, the user canview information relating to one or more of time, temperature, weather,traffic, financial information such as bank account entries or balancesor financial market performance information or levels or predictions(e.g., stocks, bonds, interest rates, etc.), sporting event information(e.g., upcoming sporting schedules, outcomes of past sporting eventssuch as scores or other statistics, team or player rankings, etc.),calendar or appointment scheduling information, individualcommunications (e.g., emails, texts, voicemail transcriptions), socialmedia information (e.g., posts or information streams from social mediawebsites or other sources such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.),personal task lists or to-do lists, exercise or work-out instructions orcoaching or task lists, dieting reminders or information or lists, newsor current event information from news websites or other sources,televised information or programs (e.g., news or other televised shows,music videos, etc.), and/or any other suitable information while sittingor standing in front of the mirror 4. The information displayed by thedisplay can be set using a button, lever, switch, handle, and/or thelike coupled to the mirror assembly 2, 102, using a user device in wiredor wireless communication with the mirror assembly 2, 102, using theport 24, 124, and/or the like. In certain implementations, the user cancontrol the content of the information displayed by the display in anymanner as described herein, such as via selectable buttons, menus,sliders, etc. displayed in a user interface of a user device, via voicecommands that are captured by a user device and/or the mirror assembly2, 102, etc. As an illustrative example, a user can produce an utterance(or produce a sound) indicating that the user desires to see the currenttime in the display. The utterance can be captured by the audio sensorof the mirror assembly 2, 102, and the controller and/or audio processorcan perform speech recognition on the utterance to identify the utteredword(s), the content of the identified word(s), and a correspondingresponse (e.g., retrieve and display the current time). Alternatively,the utterance can be captured by a user device, and the user device canperform speech recognition on the utterance to identify the utteredword(s), the content of the identified word(s), and a correspondingresponse (e.g., retrieve and display the current time). The user devicecan then transmit an indication of the corresponding response to themirror assembly 2, 102. The mirror assembly 2, 102 can then execute theresponse (e.g., display the current time in the display). In general,the mirror assembly 2, 102, the user device, a remote system, and/or anycombination thereof can perform any of the actions described above todisplay requested content in the display.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, routines, andalgorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosedherein can be implemented as electronic hardware, or as a combination ofelectronic hardware and executable software. To clearly illustrate thisinterchangeability, various illustrative components, blocks, modules,and steps have been described above generally in terms of theirfunctionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware, oras software that runs on hardware, depends upon the particularapplication and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Thedescribed functionality can be implemented in varying ways for eachparticular application, but such implementation decisions should not beinterpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the disclosure.

Moreover, the various illustrative logical blocks and modules describedin connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implementedor performed by a machine, such as a processor device, a digital signalprocessor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), afield programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device,discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or anycombination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein.A processor device can be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, theprocessor device can be a controller, microcontroller, or state machine,combinations of the same, or the like. A processor device can includeelectrical circuitry configured to process computer-executableinstructions. In another embodiment, a processor device includes an FPGAor other programmable device that performs logic operations withoutprocessing computer-executable instructions. A processor device can alsobe implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., acombination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality ofmicroprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSPcore, or any other such configuration. Although described hereinprimarily with respect to digital technology, a processor device mayalso include primarily analog components. For example, some or all ofthe signal processing algorithms described herein may be implemented inanalog circuitry or mixed analog and digital circuitry. A computingenvironment can include any type of computer system, including, but notlimited to, a computer system based on a microprocessor, a mainframecomputer, a digital signal processor, a portable computing device, adevice controller, or a computational engine within an appliance, toname a few.

The elements of a method, process, routine, or algorithm described inconnection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be embodieddirectly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processordevice, or in a combination of the two. A software module can reside inRAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory,registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of anon-transitory computer-readable storage medium. An exemplary storagemedium can be coupled to the processor device such that the processordevice can read information from, and write information to, the storagemedium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be integral to theprocessor device. The processor device and the storage medium can residein an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the alternative,the processor device and the storage medium can reside as discretecomponents in a user terminal.

When the mirror assembly 2, 102 is in electronic communication with thecomputer, a software or hardware module (e.g., an “app”) can beconfigured to display a control panel on the computer and/or to performany or all of the tasks, steps or functions that are illustrated and/ordescribed herein. The control panel may allow the user adjust variousinput and output characteristics for the mirror assembly 2, 102. Forexample, a user can use the control panel to adjust the output of theemitting portions and/or the sensitivity of the transmitter.

The user can also configure the light levels associated with the firstand second sensing regions. In another example, the user can adjust thesize (e.g., depth, width, and/or height) of one or more of the sensingregions. In some implementations, the user can use the control panel tomodify the operation and output (e.g., intensity and/or color of thelight) of the light source based on certain conditions, such as the timeof day, level of ambient light, amount of battery power remaining, andotherwise. In certain variants, the ability to modify the operationalparameters of the mirror assembly 2, 102 with the control panel canreduce or obviate the need for one or more adjustment devices (e.g.,buttons, knobs, switches, or the like) on the mirror assembly, therebyproviding a generally uniform exterior surface of the mirror assembly(which can facilitate cleaning) and reducing the chance of unintentionaladjustment of the operational parameters (such as when transporting themirror assembly).

In various embodiments, instead of or in addition to the control panel(and/or the capacitive touch sensor described elsewhere herein), one ormore physical dials (or knobs, switches, slide keys, buttons, etc.) canbe provided on the mirror assembly to perform or actuate any functiondescribed and/or illustrated in this specification. These physicalstructures, like the control panel (or capacitive touch sensor), can beused to change any of the various settings of the mirror assemblydescribed herein (e.g., the quality of the light emitted, volume ofsounds emitted, timing of alarms, brightness of displays, etc.).

In certain implementations, instead of or in addition to the othercontrol mechanisms described herein, a display (e.g., a virtual display,touchscreen, LCD, OLED, LED, or the like) can be provided on the mirrorassembly. In some embodiments, the display is hidden from sight (e.g.,on the back of the mirror). In some variants, the display is behind(and/or is within) one or more portions of a mirrored surface of themirrored assembly 102. For example, in some embodiments, the display isin a position that is behind a two-way mirror portion of a surface ofthe mirror assembly. Upon illumination, the display becomes visible tothe user. In some variants, when inactive, the display is no longervisible and appears to be just another portion of the mirror. In certainimplementations, the display is activated by an input from the user(e.g., by touching a portion of the mirror or the display, by stating avoice command, by making a movement that the mirror is programmed torecognize, or by any of the other activation methods described elsewhereherein). In some embodiments, the display can be activated by actuatingthe sensor 179 (e.g., by touching, swiping a finger across, gesturing,etc.).

In some embodiments, the display can be configured to perform any or allof the tasks, steps or functions that are illustrated and/or describedherein. For example, in certain implementations, the display is inelectronic communication with a capacitive touch sensor (e.g., a touchscreen). When active, the display can indicate some level of a lightingvariable (e.g., brightness, color temperature, etc.). The capacitivetouch sensor can then receive an input from the user to change thatvariable through a predetermined slide, tap, or rotation of the finger.For example, in some embodiments, the display shows one or more virtualdials, knobs, or switches that can be used to change qualities of thelight emitted from the light columns (e.g., the brightness, color, ortemperature of the light).

In some variants, the display can also (or alternatively) be used toprovide information to the user. For example, in some embodiments, thedisplay can act as a clock, an advertisement block, a text message panel(displaying text messages received by a user's smart phone), an emailpanel (displaying email messages received by a user's email address), orthe like. In some implementations, the display receives information froman information source (e.g., the internet, a home computer, etc.) and,based on a user's past behavior (e.g., purchases, websites visited,etc.), transmits related information to the user. As an illustration,based on past make-up purchases, the display may provide informationabout similar make-up, sales, promotions, etc. Based on past venues thatthe user has attended, the mirror may suggest other similar events. Thedisplay may also provide information about events that are upcoming(e.g., alarms) with updates as to traffic conditions or changed meetingtimes.

In certain variations, the mirror assembly may comprise facialrecognition features. In some instances, several different subjects maymake use of the same mirror assembly. Facial recognition allows themirror assembly to recognize a particular user and to select certainbaseline parameters based on that user. For instance, if “User 1” worksunder fluorescent lights on weekdays, the mirror assembly could load acorresponding light profile on weekday mornings when that “User 1” isrecognized. If “User 2” works primarily in environments lit byincandescent bulbs on weekends, when that user is recognized, thoselight parameters could be selected. In some embodiments, a specificindividual's email, texts, or suggested promotions are displayed basedon that individual's proximity to the mirror.

In certain implementations, the facial recognition feature allows thedisplay to show tailored/targeted promotions (e.g., for make-up etc.) tospecific users. For illustration, in some embodiments, the mirror mayassess the complexion, skin tone, or hair color of the user. In somevariants, the display can then suggest products for the user topurchase. In some embodiments, when a product or promotion is displayed,the user can purchase or bookmark an item by touching the capacitivetouch sensor in a specific area (e.g., a “purchase” or “bookmark”button).

In some implementations, when the mirror assembly 2, 102 is incommunication with a computer, data can be transferred from the mirrorassembly to the computer. For example, the mirror assembly can transferdata, such as power consumption, estimated remaining battery power, thenumber of activations and/or deactivations of the light source, thelength of use (e.g., of individual instances and/or in total) of thelight source, and otherwise. Software can be used to analyze thetransferred data, such as to calculate averages, review usage statistics(e.g., during specific periods), recognize and/or draw attention tounusual activity, and display usage statistics on a graph. Transferringusage statistics from the mirror assembly to the computer allows theuser to monitor usage and enables the user to calibrate differentcharacteristics of the mirror assembly (e.g., based on previous usageand parameters). Transferring data from the mirror assembly to thecomputer can also reduce or avoid the need for one or more adjustment ordisplay devices on the mirror assembly itself.

When the mirror assembly 2, 102 is in communication with the computer,the mirror the computer can also transfer data to the mirror assembly.Furthermore, when the mirror assembly is in communication with thecomputer, electrical potential can be provided to the battery 26, 126before, during, or after such two-way data transfer.

Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed toward methods ofmanufacturing a mirror assembly, such as any of the mirror assembliesdisclosed in this specification. The methods can include any one ofcoupling a mirror and a housing portion, inserting a handle into thesupport portion or mirror head, attaching the mirror head to a supportportion, attaching the support portion to an arm, attaching an arm to ashaft, attaching a shaft to a base, etc. The method can includedisposing a light source at a periphery of the mirror. The method caninclude positioning a light pipe around at least a portion of theperiphery of the mirror. The method can include disposing a plurality oflight scattering elements along the length of a light pipe. In certainembodiments, the plurality of light scattering elements can have apattern density. The light scattering elements can be configured toencourage a portion of the light impacting the light scattering elementsto be emitted out of the light pipe. The pattern density can be lessdense in a region generally adjacent the light source, and the patterndensity can be more dense in a region generally opposite from, spacedfrom, or furthest from, the light source along the periphery of themirror, thereby facilitating a substantially constant amount of lightemitted along the length of the light pipe. In certain embodiments, themethod can include positioning the light source near an upper portion ofthe mirror. In certain embodiments, the method can include positioningthe light source to emit light in a direction generally orthogonal to amain viewing direction of the mirror. In certain embodiments, the methodcan include positioning the light source to emit light into a first endof the light pipe and positioning another light source to emit lightinto a second end of the light pipe. In certain embodiments, the methodcan include disposing the light scattering elements in a generallyuniform pattern along at least a portion of the light pipe. The methodscan include coupling a mirror with a housing portion. The methods caninclude disposing one or more light sources at a periphery of themirror. The methods can include configuring a proximity sensor togenerate a signal indicative of a distance between an object and theproximity sensor. The methods can include configuring an electronicprocessor to generate an electronic signal to the one or more lightsources for emitting a level of light that varies depending on thedistance between the object and the sensor.

Some methods can include positioning the proximity sensor generally neara top region of the mirror. The methods can include configuring theelectronic processor to generate an electronic signal to the one or morelight sources to deactivate if the proximity sensor does not detect theobject for a period of time. The methods can include configuring theproximity sensor to have increased sensitivity after the proximitysensor detects the object. The methods can include configuring anambient light sensor to detect a level of ambient light. The methods caninclude configuring the proximity sensor to detect an object within asensing region extending from about 0 degrees to about 45 degreesdownward relative to an axis extending from the proximity sensor. Themethods can include mounting the proximity sensor at an angle relativeto a viewing surface of the mirror. The methods can include positioninga lens cover near the proximity sensor. In certain embodiments, themethod can include positioning a front surface of the lens cover at anangle relative to the proximity sensor. The methods can includedisposing a light pipe along substantially all of the periphery of themirror. The light pipe can be configured to receive light from the oneor more light sources and distribute the light generally consistentlyalong the length, thereby providing a substantially constant level ofillumination to the periphery of the mirror.

Certain aspects of this disclosure are directed toward a mirror assemblyhaving a housing portion, a mirror, one or more light sources, aproximity sensor, and an electronic processor. The mirror can be coupledwith the housing portion. The one or more light sources can be disposedat a periphery of the mirror. The proximity sensor can be configured todetect an object within a sensing region. The proximity sensor can beconfigured to generate a signal indicative of a distance between theobject and the proximity sensor. The electronic processor can beconfigured to generate an electronic signal to the one or more lightsources for emitting a level of light that varies depending on thedistance between the object and the sensor.

SUMMARY

Several illustrative embodiments of mirror assemblies and methodsmanufacturing have been disclosed. Although this disclosure has beendescribed in terms of certain illustrative embodiments and uses, otherembodiments and other uses, including embodiments and uses which do notprovide all of the features and advantages set forth herein, are alsowithin the scope of this disclosure. Components, elements, features,acts, or steps can be arranged or performed differently than describedand components, elements, features, acts, or steps can be combined,merged, added, or left out in various embodiments. All possiblecombinations and subcombinations of elements and components describedherein are intended to be included in this disclosure. No single featureor group of features is necessary or indispensable.

Certain features that are described in this disclosure in the context ofseparate implementations can also be implemented in combination in asingle implementation. Conversely, various features that are describedin the context of a single implementation also can be implemented inmultiple implementations separately or in any suitable subcombination.Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certaincombinations, one or more features from a claimed combination can insome cases be excised from the combination, and the combination may beclaimed as a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Any portion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devicesdisclosed or illustrated in one embodiment, flowchart, or example inthis disclosure can be combined or used with (or instead of) any otherportion of any of the steps, processes, structures, and/or devicesdisclosed or illustrated in a different embodiment, flowchart, orexample. The embodiments and examples described herein are not intendedto be discrete and separate from each other. Combinations, variations,and other implementations of the disclosed features are within the scopeof this disclosure.

Some embodiments have been described in connection with the accompanyingdrawings. Moreover, while operations may be depicted in the drawings ordescribed in the specification in a particular order, such operationsneed not be performed in the particular order shown or in sequentialorder, or that all operations be performed, to achieve desirableresults. Other operations that are not depicted or described can beincorporated in the example methods and processes. For example, one ormore additional operations can be performed before, after,simultaneously, or between any of the described operations.Additionally, the operations may be rearranged or reordered in otherimplementations. Also, the separation of various components in theimplementations described above should not be understood as requiringsuch separation in all implementations, and it should be understood thatthe described components and systems can generally be integratedtogether in a single product or packaged into multiple products.Additionally, other implementations are within the scope of thisdisclosure.

Further, while illustrative embodiments have been described, anyembodiments having equivalent elements, modifications, omissions, and/orcombinations are also within the scope of this disclosure. Moreover,although certain aspects, advantages, and novel features are describedherein, not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved inaccordance with any particular embodiment. For example, some embodimentswithin the scope of this disclosure achieve one advantage, or a group ofadvantages, as taught herein without necessarily achieving otheradvantages taught or suggested herein. Further, some embodiments mayachieve different advantages than those taught or suggested herein.

Any of the vanity mirror features, structures, steps, or processesdisclosed in this specification can be included in any embodiment. Forexample, the proximity sensor can be positioned generally near a topregion or a bottom region of the mirror. The electronic processor can beconfigured to generate an electronic signal to the one or more lightsources to deactivate if the proximity sensor does not detect thepresence and/or movement of the object for a predetermined period oftime. The proximity sensor can be configured to have increasedsensitivity after the proximity sensor detects the object (e.g., byincreasing the trigger zone distance, by increasing the sensitivity tomovement within a trigger zone, and/or by increasing the time perioduntil deactivation). The mirror assembly can include an ambient lightsensor configured to detect a level of ambient light. In someembodiments, the sensing region can extend from about 0 degrees to about45 degrees downward relative to an axis extending from the proximitysensor. The proximity sensor can be mounted at an angle relative to aviewing surface of the mirror. The mirror assembly can include a lenscover positioned near the proximity sensor. In certain embodiments, afront surface of the lens cover can be positioned at an angle relativeto the proximity sensor. The mirror assembly can include a light pipehaving a length and being disposed along substantially all of theperiphery of the mirror. The light pipe can be configured to receivelight from the one or more light sources and distribute the lightgenerally consistently along the length, thereby providing asubstantially constant level of illumination to the periphery of themirror.

For purposes of summarizing the disclosure, certain aspects, advantagesand features of the inventions have been described herein. It is to beunderstood that not necessarily any or all such advantages are achievedin accordance with any particular embodiment of the inventions disclosedherein. No aspects of this disclosure are essential or indispensable. Inmany embodiments, the mirror system may be configured differently thanillustrated in the figures or description herein. For example, variousfunctionalities provided by the illustrated modules can be combined,rearranged, added, or deleted. In some embodiments, additional ordifferent processors or modules may perform some or all of thefunctionalities described with reference to the example embodimentdescribed and illustrated in the figures. Many implementation variationsare possible.

In summary, various embodiments and examples of vanity mirrors andmethods of manufacturing the same have been disclosed. This disclosureextends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments and examples toother alternative embodiments and/or other uses of the embodiments, aswell as to certain modifications and equivalents thereof. Moreover, thisdisclosure expressly contemplates that various features and aspects ofthe disclosed embodiments can be combined with, or substituted for, oneanother. Accordingly, the scope of this disclosure should not be limitedby the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should bedetermined only by a fair reading of the claims.

The following is claimed:
 1. A mirror assembly comprising: a front sideand a back side; a housing portion; a support portion coupled to thehousing portion; a mirror; a light source; a light path positionedaround at least a portion of the mirror; a controller configured to turnthe light source on or off in response to a voice command.